Resolutions


We all made some resolutions for 2009, and we are starting off with a bang!

Top of our list, like always, is having lots of fun together. Our friends built an ice skating rink in their yard and invited us over for some fun. Here are some pictures of it…

Comments:

Dad and Mom Parker said…

Looks like lots of fun, and the weather looks great,at the time of the pictures. That is a great goal, and it is in the family proclamation too. Wholesome family recreational activities. We love to see you having fun as a family.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 10:29:52 AM

John said…

Michelle is jealous. She wants a ice rink in our yard but the weather is just not cold enough. Having fun together is a great goal. Thanks for the great picts.
Thursday, January 08, 2009 6:00:09 PM

Baby’s First Christmas


JT was basically celebrating his 10 month old birthday on Christmas. We can’t believe how fast the time has flown by. We loved watching the world through his happy eyes and smiley face. Santa left JT a walker and his dad is very serious about JT using it. For some reason he thinks JT needs to be getting ready to walk, I (on the other hand) and quite happy with his limited mobility for now. I seem to be winning because all JT wants to do with his walker is play with the toys on front.

It has been a crazy life to keep up with if you are a baby. Lots of parties, lots of people, lots of cold, lots of food that looks good to eat, but can’t because you’re a baby. He was quite the trooper and did pretty good with it all. He has ventured out in the cold to play only a couple of times and is very happy to just stay inside and play with is drawer of toys in the kitchen.

He made Grandma and Grandpa happy as he shouted out his few words with limited use, “Hey”, “mom”, and “dada”. He is very fast as he gets up the stairs and we have yet to teach him the basics of going down. Maybe now that life is slowing down we can work on that. Stephen fixed up the gate so that he will be safe upstairs, but we still need to do several other baby proofing things.

The last couple of days, JT has had a fever and been throwing up. He is in the process of getting his first teeth (bottom two) – and it is not going to happen without a fight I guess. It was the saddest and sickest I’ve ever seen him. I don’t like it! His little head has been burning up and he just looks miserable – poor thing. I hope to see him back to his happy self very soon!

Worth the wait


excited about the matching skirt that I made for her and sistersOlivia had a hard time NOT wanting to see what was under all of the wrapping paper if you remember, but the day finally came and she was happy. She was as excited for her baby brother JT and his presents as she was to get her own. Santa brought her a karaoke barbie head – she can fix her hair and sing with her too. It was fun for her to have Lily and Lexi get their dolls out and have a hair fixing party while they watched movies.

Olivia especially loved having her Grandpa and Grandma here. She had fun tagging a long after either of them wherever they were. Grandma was really excited about going out to the Burton Christmas Dance again this year. Olivia had mixed feelings when Santa Clause came into the room. She would NOT sit on his lap, but she did decide to take the bag of treats. When I asked her if she wanted Santa to bring her a present, she said “NO”. I think she’s glad he did now though.

Playing in the snow is short lived at age 3. It takes us more time to get her dressed than she enjoys being outside, but I think that is pretty normal. I have fun having company while I make the hot chocolate! 🙂


playing her “duet” with friend, Ellie.
Grandma and Grandpa magnet
so excited for JT

this is as close as Olivia wanted to get to Santa
slumber parties are always fun – she ended up sleeping in Mason’s bed with him.

Santa found Lily


Lily was consistent with her request for Santa this year, and he delivered just what she asked for – even better. She really wanted an MP3 player, but she got and MP4 player (which plays audio and video). She loves being like Mason and Alexis. She was so excited that Santa also remembered to leave her two new books.

Lily had fun being with all of her Parker cousins and also her Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin. She played her Christmas piano songs (Away in a Manger and Over the River and through the Woods) flawlessly at our little recital with the Puzeys and over the Christmas break she taught herself how to play the song Mason has been learning “Joy to the World”- with both hands! I was very impressed and Mason was a little annoyed. It isn’t fun to have your little sister playing your piano song I guess.

She has also loved playing out in the snow with Mason and Alexis. She is very diligent about wearing her boots, hat, gloves, and coat. Her P.E. teacher taught them to stay warm and she is strictly obedient.

Mason’s Christmas


Mason loves Christmas. He loves getting out of school and he loves playing in the snow with family, and he loves getting presents. This year he learned about Charity and had as much fun giving and serving as he did opening his presents. It was great to see his smile and excitement as he got caught up in the tasks our elf left for us to do – he kept vigil watch for her notes and was the first one in line to carry out the tasks.

Christmas Eve all of the children had a sleep over in Mason’s room. He was happy to wake up Christmas morning to find an MP4 player (even though he really wanted a nintindo DS), he loves his origami calendar and playing marbles left in his stocking. He really loved playing games with his family including Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin who stayed with us for Christmas again this year!

The only bad thing about Christmas is the realization that school must begin once again. It was a sad Sunday evening for Mason as he thought of the days ahead at school – we are so glad that he loves to be home, and proud of him for going to school everyday even though he really, really, really doesn’t enjoy it. For someone so smart it seems kind of funny! Gotta love this kid!

Fun Days for Alexis


Here are some recent pictures of Alexis having fun…

Back in October, I started preparing Alexis that she was going to get a present at Christmas time that she was absolutely going to love. I told her she was going to love it so much that she would need a Depends undergarment on to keep her clothes dry. Her interest was piqued and she tried to get me to spill the beans to no avail. Christmas Eve rolled around and Stephen and I enlisted Mason and Lily into helping us do a “chaser” (Rick’s style) to help unveil the gift. She was sent on an 11 clue scavenger hunt to find the gift. When it was found we heard a LOT of screaming, and it was such a great moment!!!! We love Alexis and all of the service she gives to her family through babysitting, helping with homework and piano practice, reading with little kids, making lunch and dinner and treats, just everything she does! It was easy to give up my “extra” ipod (now that I have my iphone)to share it with her and “pay” her for all of that babysitting she does every Friday night.

Yesterday her candy cane cast was cut off and put into the garbage can at the doctor’s office! She was nervous to walk yesterday without her crutches, but by this morning she walked out of the house for school on both legs and NO crutches. It is going to be nice for all of us to have her back to normal. She can’t wait to go ice skating and sledding!

Offended? NOT!


this is a picture of cjane from her blogMy friend, Diana, told me about a recent post on a blog that was somewhat comical…I actually loved this post written on the cjane (picture of her to the right) website on January 1, 2009 – blog.cjanerun.com. It goes to show how well meaning words can be misconstrued. Isn’t it funny that people will openly criticize another’s thoughts on their blog? Because that is what a blog is – somebody’s thoughts, right? Why can’t we all just love each other anyway – and stop worrying, comparing, or being offended. I guess we all have choices, to read or NOT to read – that is the question.

It made me think about blogging…it is a crazy phenomenon. I like that I am able to communicate with my family and friends and share a piece of my life with them while I am making a history of my little family and life. I give a disclaimer that that is exactly what I am doing (making a family/personal history)- it is a selfish motive (just like the reader accused jane of in the above link) on my part I guess as I publish it for others to read as well. I am certain that those reading my blog might not want to see me toot my horn or that of my cute family entry after entry – BUT I guess that is what a blog is, isn’t it?

Personally I enjoy reading about other’s lives and accomplishments. I am happy when they are happy and sad when they are sad and am strengthened by words and experiences that are shared. Offended? NOT!

Comments:

Mom and dad Parker said…

Did we miss something? Did someone say something about our blogging or something? As for us, we like it.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 3:35:31 PM

John said…

You go girl. It keeps us folks far away in touch with your family and life. You are quite inspiring as well. I have gained many insights from your past blogs. Keep on typing.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 4:14:51 PM

Jodi said…

Sorry if I confused you all! I didn’t explain myself very clearly (I made some adjustments so hopefully it makes more sense). Basically, I read this girl’s blog and it got me thinking about stuff…
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 4:34:59 PM

Diana said…

It really got you thinking! I think it is great to blog & to be self-centered, because just like you and Jane said, it is about ourselves.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 4:13:47 PM

Family Goals

Here are the goals we have made as a family for 2009:

As a Family
1. Gather and have family prayer in a more timely manor
2. Treat others with respect
3. Go on a family vacation bike ride in August
4. Read Scriptures as a family daily.
5. Go on family hikes this summer.
Stephen
1. Run Marathon
2. Bike a Century
3. Read the Doctrine and Covenants
4. Keep A1C below 6 all year
Jodi
Alexis
1. No Broken Bones
2. Save $100 in the bank
3. Read the Book of Mormon before my 12th Birthday
4. Say Personal prayers daily
5. Go to Girls Camp
6. Be Nice
7. Make a quilt with Mom
8. Run a 5k
9. Finish Faith in God
Mason
1. Finish my Origami Calendars
2. Read the Book of 1 Nephi
3. Hike Teewinot with Dad
Lily
1. Get my ears pierced
2. Get Baptized
3. Read the Book of Matthew
4. Run fun run
Olivia
1. Play with Ellie
2. Whisper in Sacrament Mtg
3. Read book about me and Ellie
4. Learn to swim
JT
1. Learn how to walk
2. Learn to say at least 10 words

Bear Lake Plan C


Ok with all the crazy schedules we are working with this summer here is a new thought. What if we all got together at the cabin on the hill the same weekend as the Fred and Elaine Parker Reunion? We could come a couple days before and camp out on the hill play at Henry’s lake during the days, go on some fun little hikes, treasure hunts, etc. I am just thinking this may solve two problems and save some sheckles for camping permits. Let me know what you all think. I just want to make it fun for everyone and the more people we have there then the funner it is.

Comments:

Mom and Dad said…

We are probably the most flexible of all of us after Mid-July. Just let us know what you want to do. We heard that there is a rope swing at Cliff or Wade Lake which would be closer than Bloomington Lake, but Ive never been there. There are lots of places to canoe and fish and frolic everywhere. We’re in, no matter where.
Sunday, January 04, 2009 3:56:49 PM

John said…

That works for us. We could do some canoeing in the rivers and lakes. Lots of fun.
Sunday, January 04, 2009 9:52:19 PM

Jana said…

Sounds good to us as well we just love to be together when and where we can!! Keep us posted!
Monday, January 05, 2009 9:22:36 AM

Steph said…

You can’t go wrong with I.P. I am with Jana, I just love to be together with everyone. Maybe us Idaho folk could foot the bill for food since we wouldn’t be driving as far. Just a thought. We should definitely see a show at the Playmill.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 9:45:35 PM

Just passing by


Did you know that a song can heal a heart even when it didn’t realize it needed healing? I got a nice surprise today as I drove home from the Rexburg Temple.

I decided to pop in a favorite CD I haven’t listened to in a while. I skipped quickly through the tracks until track 11 – “Just Passing By” by Doug Walker. I suddenly realized he was singing exactly how I had been feeling over the past few weeks/months and didn’t even realize it – funny how life will do that to a person. I have been contemplative about various things that have been occurring around me – Sudden Deaths, Lack of quality Health as age sets in, Birth, Ward Callings, Sibling Contention, Miracles, Commercialism, Economy problems, insurance, selling cars, extended family dynamics, how to keep my house clean, when to get my projects done, are my children getting their needs met?, are they safe? (physically and emotionally), when will I make homemade bread again, and so forth. Sometimes it is just hard to put all of those kind of feelings into words. It seems like this could be one of those times too :).

Life – what is it all about anyway? This song answered the question for me.