Magic Carpet


The Family wagonWe went to the cabin in Island Park this weekend because our kids were out of school on Friday. We had loads of fun and having Paul and his friends come up made it all the more fun.

We loved the sledding hill despite a few minor injuries. The first day Jodi bruised her tail bone on a crazy run (that will explain some of the classic facial expressions in the pictures) and Mason accidentally went over a jump that made him fly about 6′ in the air and landed on his back – he’s a tough kid. It would have been a good shot on camera with that air. Our favorite photo is of Stephen floating through the air in the black sled that is parallel with the ground. It really looks like he is flying…”I can show you the world…on a magic carpet ride. A whole new world…”

We all had fun playing Wii fit too! We were so happy when Matt got the high score on the ski jump game and we all loved the hula hoops. Paul proved that he is indeed balanced as well. It is great burning calories while you play in front of a t.v.

The air in Island Park is good to breath.

Happy days!


Paul is the king of the hill

Go Paul

Lily had just told me the story of Great Grandma Parker putting her leg out and getting hurt. Guess she wanted to try too.

JT waving at Mason

Ouch
Olivia and Lex Loved it

no shoes

“I can show you the world”

Queka time

coveralls and a snowboarder perfect match

Mason was the official Taxi
A seat just for JT

Comments:

Mom and Dad said…

Fun pictures! It was good to see you guys using that snowmobile. I was afraid it would just set and plug up the carburator. It looks like the snow is good to play in already.
Sunday, January 2
5, 2009 9:28:14 AM

Paul said…

Thanks for the fun! It was good to get in the outdoors and play around a little.
Sunday, January 25, 2009 10:53:55 AM

John said…

Looks like a blast. Nothing quite like floating through the air in a sled. It looked like a wonderful time with some great people. Thanks for sharing.
Sunday, January 25, 2009 9:10:03 PM

Jana said…

Thanks for the laugh!! You guys have all the fun…we expect a call so we can come try out the wii fit. Looks like you all had a blast, sorry about your bum!
Monday, January 26, 2009 8:50:44 PM

iCar


Meet iCar the latest in Pinewood Derby cars. Mason invented this little fella to scale of my iphone. It turned out to be a cute little thing, and pretty fast too. It even sports the camera on the back side.

He also received his Bear Award tonight – that is why he has red paint on his cheeks. He is quite a happy Cub Scout, it is one of his favorite things to do every week! He won the “Most Unusual” Award of the night.

He commented on how one of the boys must have thought that the pinewood derby is all about winning. When we asked him what it is about he said, “learning about sportsmanship, and having fun building a car”. We have to thank the “Down and Derby” movie he has been watching (thanks Grandma B) to help reinforce what we’ve tried to teach.

He definitely had fun coming up with his idea (he saw a larger version on the internet, he modified it to make it his own) and was a great sport.


notice it is upside down so we had to take another shot

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

In some ways that icar may be a better communication device than the real phone.
Friday, January 23, 2009 12:32:10 AM

Uncle John said…

Wonderful Car Mason. You and your dad are a great team. I always loved the pinewood derby. Especially the making of the car and the time with my dad. Keep up the great work. I am glad to hear that the red stuff was paint. I was thinking you were getting a few victory kisses from the fans.

Friday, January 23, 2009 9:34:58 PM

PWD 2009


We had our Pinewood Derby tonight and it turned out great. We had a great turn out and all the boys had fun. I was given the task to build the ward a new track, so I took things up a notch and made a 5 lane track and made it 50% longer than last years. 48′ of speed for the boys to enjoy. Mason chose to make an iCar this year modeled after the iPhone it was the talk of the night.

Comments:

Mom and Dad said…

That there is a Cadillac of a track. It made me think of some happy memories past. Keep track of the track and we’ll have to have a family pine-wood derby.
Friday, January 23, 2009 10:06:08 AM

John said…

She’s a beauty! I love the height and paint job. That must have taken some work. I am excited to build a car with Zach someday. I like the idea of a Family Pine wood derby. Zach wants me to build him a track and an I-car. You have inspired him. We had some great times. I will never forget the “beater”. That little car was a piece of work.

Friday, January 23, 2009 9:32:20 PM

Will you dance with me Dad?

I was very touched by the kindness of Alexis tonight. I went to pick her up from a reception for one of her friends older sisters, they were having a little dance after the reception and I noticed Alexis out on the floor having a great time. I thought I would let her enjoy herself for a minute before I broke the news to her that it was time to go home.

I noticed that she was quite the dancer on the floor doing the macarana and such with her friends. Then it all changed, when a slow song came on. I thought to myself it would be fun to dance with my daughter, but I didn’t want to embarrass her in front of her friends. Then she surprised me, she came over to me on the chair and asked me, “Will you dance with me Dad?” I was so touched that she would do that, we danced and talked. It hit me as we were dancing, this is not my little toddler anymore, she was becoming a young women. Sad and happy inside I enjoyed the time with her, thinking to myself she will be the one getting married before I know it. The time passes too quickly, thanks Alexis for making my week.

I love you.

Dad

Humility


By the way, please don’t read this if you thought our family was perfect – I would hate to shatter the image of what I wish sometimes were a reality!

Last night my family and I finished watching “Singles Ward 2”. I couldn’t hold back the laughter when I saw the camera span over the Sunday congregation and stop on a mother with a bunch of children to take care of. She pulled a gallon of milk out of her church bag and started pouring bowls of cereal for her kids. A few seconds later you see her making a peanut butter sandwich for her little boy. – Cracked me up! I thought of it as a large exaggeration of a typical LDS sacrament meeting at least in Utah or Idaho, but after church today I’m thinking I might want to try that plan of attack! Maybe that is the trick to avoid the humility my children seem to give me the pleasure of learning.

I’m am almost positive that on one Sunday or another many latter-day saint moms wonder if it is worth subjecting themselves to the struggle (yes, I want to accentuate that word) it is to take children to church. I even have the added luxury of having my husband sit with me on the pew – lucky me!

I usually double up on the deodorant for Primary, but I’m going to have to consider tripling up the efforts in that department, because here is what happened today during sacrament meeting:

1. We have Olivia! She is one of the cutest 3 year olds in the entire world and sweet as a button but chooses (because I know she knows how) NOT to whisper. She talks loudly or laughs loudly or gets upset loudly. O.k. so it probably seems louder than it really is when we are in a reverent quiet atmosphere such as sacrament meeting.
2. We have Lily! Again, one of the cutest, sweetest 7 year olds on the planet BUT don’t make her mad! She will make you pay and it is not pretty! (literally and figuratively)
3. We have JT – I forgot that I shouldn’t wear knee length skirts with a climbing baby – oops the people around me got more than they bargained for if they saw the show! Oh and I hope they shampoo the carpet at the church regularly because he has left several spit up remnants to help “break in the carpet”.
4. We have Alexis – now usually I can’t get on her case because she does a pretty good job, BUT today I looked over and she had pulled out a deck of face cards from her purse and she was telling Mason “pick a card”. Seriously, I got done listening to the new callings and bam – Lexi and Mason are playing with face cards? How did that happen, I didn’t even think we had a owned a deck cards? They were quickly confiscated – I am sure the people behind me loved watching that transpire because I was REALLY shocked.
5. We have Mason – honestly today, he did fairly well during sacrament meeting. But last week I looked over at him in Primary and he had an origami paper stuffed in each side of his nostrils.

Of course I am dwelling on the negative to prove my point – there really are some good things going on as well, but WOW the bad sure do stand out when you want things to go smoothly :).

I am learning about humility on my Sundays at church…I hope someday it will evolve into something much deeper and meaningful, but for now I am just hoping that I can pick myself up and gear up for one more Sunday!

Comments:

Magan said…

I think you guys spiced up church this week. Very funny. I can’t believe Olivia, I have barely heard her say one word.
Sunday, January 18, 2009 4:47:03 PM

Grandpa and Grandma Parker said…

This reminds us of what Sister Lent said in the worldwide training. She said a lady watched her at church and said “if my kids were as good as yours and if it was as easy for me as you, I would have a large family too.” They never know how hard it might have been, getting there. Keep up the good work, it gives others hope. They are good kids!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 4:37:13 AM

michelle said…

I’m with you Jodi! I have left many sacrament meetings feeling like we were the show. Zach chose to sing the closing song this week in his primary, scream at the top of his lungs, voice. The entire chapel could hear. I like your great attitude about being humbled. I will think of that each week as I am also humbled.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 10:05:58 PM

Magan said…

Eric reminded me how could I forget you want a bad church experience. My child pulled the fire alarm at stake conference!
Friday, January 23, 2009 4:48:26 PM

Paper Airplane Incentives

If you want Mason to do something for you, all you have to do it give him the right incentive. He could move heaven or earth! He found an airplane calendar that I bought that was half price. He wondered who it was for? Of course it was for him, but I was saving it for a possible birthday present. He was really excited with his sparkling eyes and I just wanted to give it to him, but new that wouldn’t be the best parenting – giving a kid something just because he wants it.

I noticed that my walkway needed to be shoveled – this is his job anyway, but it isn’t his favorite. I came up with a plan – “Mason, every time you shovel the sidewalk you can have 2 airplanes from the calendar.” He was so excited he ran to get his shovel barely stopping to get his shoes on. He worked so fast I couldn’t believe it! He was so happy to get his airplanes…and by then he really DESERVED them.

I have heard his voice longingly looking out the window wondering when it was going to snow again….

Comments:

Grandma and grandpa Parker said…

Motivation is the key to teaching. Mason doesn’t mind hard work anyway. He probably enjoyed doing the walk and getting the paper planes.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 3:46:20 PM

Susan said…

I love paper airplanes too. I had a white wing collection once, but it went the way of most of my “things!”
Thursday, January 15, 2009 11:07:51 AM

Notes

Alexis came home from school with a pile of corrected homework for me to go through. There was a lot so I sat it aside and decided to look through it later. Later came after all of my children were nestled in bed. As I looked through the papers I noticed two notes to her friends that she had composed, both of them saying thank you for helping her carry her books or tray. It made me happy that she has a heart that is grateful!

I also loved the note she recently left for me…Sunday night I had to go to a few meetings. When I came home there was a note on my bed that said, “Mom come to my room when you get home.” Unfortunately by the time I returned home she had fallen asleep, but I was so happy to get an invitation to talk and be with her.

Comments:

Grandpa Parker said…

I love notes from Grandma Parker. It is always fun to get a note of thanks or a kind word. Grandma used to put them in my lunch box.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009 3:43:02 PM

Susan said…

I tend to save every little love note I’ve ever received. I think they are most precious and will keep me warm in the winter of my life! Way to be-Lex!
Thursday, January 15, 2009 11:04:45 AM

Broulims

Yesterday I invited Lily to come with me to run some quick errands. One of them was to grab a few items at Broulims – our local grocery store. When I told her that we were going there she chimed from the back seat, “I love that store!” My interests were piqued but I didn’t say anything. A few minutes later she told me why…”Do you know why I love Broulims? It is because it reminds me of ringing the bell at Christmas time.”

We were both wearing a smile when we entered the doors of Broulims. I am so happy that her little heart remembered how good it feels to think of others. I want her to always remember that!

Last week for piano lessons I got to teach Lily. I decided it would be fun to give her a 2 page song to work on over the next couple of months. When I got it out she was very excited because it’s title is “Bubblegum”. I told her we would work on the first 2 lines thinking I didn’t want to overwhelm her. Well, she ended up being upset that she couldn’t do the whole thing. I convinced her to just work on the first page for this week and refine it. Guess what? It’s been a week and she has the entire song memorized! I’ve learned I shouldn’t underestimate a seven year old!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

That Lily is not only kind, but she’s smart too. That’s a nice combination. Keep up the good work Lily.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 3:40:00 PM

Aunt Susan said…

Lily, I love your smile and your willingness to work hard. Keep it up and there’s no limit as to what you can do!
Thursday, January 15, 2009 11:11:04 AM

A side of whiskers


The other day I was getting ready to fix Olivia’s hair before we dashed out of the door. She had eaten a piece of toast for breakfast with raspberry jam. Apparently she really liked it because she had a jam mustache that had glued some of her hair to her face. When I started pulling it back into a pony tail, the hairs pulled right out of her head and dangled down off of her cheek. It really made me giggle. I told her I had to run and get the camera…by the time I got back she was giggling right along with me. It is fun to be a mom on days like this!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

That Olivia is really a sweetheart. Give her a big hug for us.
Sunday, January 11, 2009 1:52:15 AM

Anne said…

What a cutie! It is fun to find humor in life too…especially when our kids are watching!
Sunday, January 11, 2009 2:47:41 PM

Steph said…

That is strong jam. She is cute even with whiskers. Mom is the best calling in the world.
Sunday, January 11, 2009 8:48:26 PM

4 miles in "his" shoes


Today Stephen and I went on a lovely cross country ski date with two other couples from our neighborhood. We woke up at 6 am and were at the trail head near Cave Falls by 7:30ish. What a beautiful site to behold – the calm serenity was a big plus for a life that always seems on the go!

As we were unloading and finding our skis our friend, Matt, noticed that they had given him 2 extremely different shoe sizes at the rental shop. He was gracious and said he would just watch a movie in the car, etc. not wanting to damper our fun…when who came to the rescue? My husband – Stephen. He offered to wear the shoe (which was 3 sizes too small for him) – he then transferred his shoe to our other friend, Casey, who quickly saw the need. He then took of his shoe to give to the unfortunate Matt. Matt and Casey were each wearing a shoe that was two sizes two small on one foot. I’m sure all three will be sporting a nice blister tonight, but have absolutely no regrets or complaints.

I have to admit I was smiling deep inside at the analogy of it all. Isn’t that what life’s all about?

Good times, Good people, Good conversation, and a Good place to enjoy it all!

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

“Flexibility is a sign of a happy family”, even a family of friends. It must have been a wonderful day. Looks like there’s plenty of snow.
Sunday, January 11, 2009 1:55:56 AM

Anne said…

Way to go jump in Stephen! Not surprising at all, just the kind of good man you are. Infact, if I can just say ALL the Parker men seem to be so good like that. Bruce you taught them all well.

Looks beautiful and like a great time with friends! So glad you got to go enjoy a fun day together in the beautiful snow and fresh air. Looks like a great date!
Sunday, January 11, 2009 2:43:54 PM

Steph said…

That looks like good cold fun. I am not surprised Stephen would offer his shoes, you have good friends and that makes it easier to want to help them.
Sunday, January 11, 2009 8:45:11 PM

michelle said…

looks like a great time. I love your ambition getting up for an early date. Way to be Stephen-the unselfish Parker way.
Monday, January 12, 2009 9:21:36 PM