New Year New Goal


I have been wanting to run the Teton Dam Marathon for the past couple of years, but just couldn’t commit to it. That is the reason I am setting a goal to run it this year, and this year I may even train for it. Come join me I could use the company and support. Problem is once you get in shape to run a marathon you want to run more. Here is a little sample of some of my favorite running songs.

Comments:

Mom and Dad said…

Good luck. If we’re home, we’lll drive along side and cheer
Thursday, January 01, 2009 11:27:31 AM

Riley said…

You’re awesome Uncle Stev!!!
Thursday, January 01, 2009 2:21:50 PM

Magan said…

Tempting! I could maybe commit to a 1/2, and if I am really lucky Eric would do it also.
Friday, January 02, 2009 7:38:58 PM

Jodi said…

I’m with Magan and sticking to a half – you do realize that its 26.2 miles, right??!!! WOW – can’t wait to cheer you on!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009 3:34:00 PM

Happy Birthday dear Grandma!


We were happy to get to celebrate Grandma Baldwin’s birthday with her this year! We even made her wear the birthday crown…it will be a doubly special day for us now as we get to celebrate little Josie Michele along with our Grandma!

We are glad that Grandma was born – she is a woman who makes a lot of little grandchildren feel extra loved and special. She has a talent for that – it’s always fun when Grandma comes, especially for Christmas and her birthday.

Preferred Elite

Stephen has been bugging me to make a journal entry about this for posterity sake, I have mixed feelings about it but here goes: We’ve been talking with our life insurance agent a lot lately and decided that I should get some additional coverage. With that decision came the need for testing. A nurse came to my house and took my blood and urine sample and I answered a few questions. A week or so later, I got a call from my insurance agent informing me that he thought he quoted me for the wrong status and that they would need to come back and do some more testing and ask me some more questions, my mind started getting worried until he said the words "we think you will qualify for the ‘preferred elite’ status and get an even better rate!" What? Did I hear him correctly? Since when did that happen… I thought the odds were stacked against me and that I was destined for a future health battle with bad genes to blame (heart problems seem to be the trouble for my family). I’m definitely NOT complaining – I think I am just in shock. So last week I got the official call back with the news that I passed the tests! I guess there goes all of my excuses for getting out of some of the stuff Stephen has planned for me in the future :). It is certain that only time can really tell how far my health will really take me, but for now I am going to be proud to be called, "preferred elite!" It might be the only time in my life that I’ll be able to use those words with my name next to it.

Merry Christmas


We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

We are walking in a winter wonderland! It has snowed continuously for the past few days – we feel like we are living in a Gingerbread House in the middle of the woods, and that somebody shook a globe and we are living in the middle of it.

Life is good when you’re snowed in – it forces you to stop and enjoy the simple pleasures of being alive.


RED KETTLE FUN! They braved the cold elements (-8 below zero). It was fun thto see the can fill up with money!

Making chocolates at Stacie’s house, a Parker holiday tradition seemd a little odd without Sharon. But they still taste good!
Olivia babysat JT while we loaded up oranges.
Got to help the Good Fellows bag oranges that will be distributed along with all of the food from the scouting for food drive.

Comments:

John said…

What a fun Christmas you are having. My on ly thought is this: Where is Stephen’s coat in the 8 below zero weather a jacket just doesn’t cut it. Great memories for a great family.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008 6:18:50 AM

Jana said…

What fun memories you are all making together this time of year.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:49:04 AM

It’s quiet …you better come find me!


I was on the phone talking Primary talk last week when I accidentally walked passed the Piano Room in our house. There I found a happy three year old in the middle of wrapping paper and playing with her Polly Pocket that Mason had just wrapped up for her a couple of nights previous. Luckily I was the first to encounter her and quickly retrieved the newly unwrapped gifts to go and re wrap without any more notice. We have since had a discussion about why we wait until Christmas to open gifts, but for one small moment Olivia was living the high life.

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa and Paul said…

If you were able to communicate why not open presents early to a curious three-year old, you are a great teacher. We had to smile at the whole thing. She is a crack-up. Give her a hug from us.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:52:44 AM

Jana said…

I remember doing that as a kid..I never got caught though it was always a bummer on Christmas morning to open gifts I had already opened a week earlier!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:57:50 AM

Amy said…

When Bridget was about three, I walked downstairs to see no presents under the Christmas tree. After looking throughout the house, I discovered them on Bridget’s bed all lined up. She had taken every one up into her bedroom. Funny girl.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 8:14:08 PM

Concert Mistress


Sitting as concert mistress Alexis played in her first violin concert. It was fun to see her playing an instrument with a group. Her violin teacher’s name is, Richard Ferguson, a person that I was in orchestra with when I was a kid. “Jolly Ole’ Cannon” was her favorite song that the sixth grade played. Her stand partner was nice enough to carry her violin as she made her way to her seat. They sounded really good! As Baldwin tradition stands we had to go eat ice cream afterward to celebrate. I was a proud mother – it is hard NOT to get overexcited. For now I am just going to be happy that Alexis consented to play in the orchestra – but oh the potential she has. I am glad that she is such a socialite – that is what she likes the most about being in orchestra. I’ll take that!

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa and Paul said…

That is a smiling blog. Alexis doesn’t miss a thing with her handicap. We like her style. keep up the good work.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:48:32 AM

Jana said…

Lexi..you are a well rounded little lady you do it all, glad to see you have success in your talents!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:55:56 AM

Some Firsts


Here are a few pictures of the little guy at our house. He is gearing up for his first ever Christmas.

Today his sisters bundled him up in his snow clothes and pulled him in the sled. He wasn’t very excited about it – especially the bundling part – but he put up with it for at least 5 minutes.

He also took a ride on the vacuum for the first time tonight. Mason ran and grabbed the camera to capture this milestone (he is his father’s son!).

He also got his first “buzz” haircut on Sunday. He looked so handsome and of course smiled through the whole process.

Life with JT around is so much fun! We are sooooo lucky.


Alexis loved riding on the vacuum, so I thought I’d try it out with JT. He didn’t like it as much as she did.
Likes to help with the dishwasher.

JT keeps having trouble with his pjs at night. He wakes up with both legs on one side of his pajamas…it is kind of funny.

Mason trying to warn JT of how this is such a necessary evil.

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker and Paul said…

That JT is a fun little guy. Paul says that he looks just like the pictures and assures us that he is a great little person. Give him a hug from us.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:19:28 AM

Jana said…

I just love that kid…he makes me smile!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 12:00:47 PM

Who Cares Anyway?


I live with a very ingenious man, and I have the picture to prove it!

Take a look at this picture of Stephen plowing our driveway today and you can see what kind of mind I get to live with on a daily basis. He decided to wrap his tractor in plastic to make a cab – even remembering to cut a flap on the side to peek out with. You just have to smile at a man who is so happy and confident in his skin that he’s in – he could care less what things look like! Functionality definitely wins out over looks and appearances. This is one of the many traits that make me glad to be married to the inventive/creative Stephen Parker. It is refreshing to be around a person who is NOT materialistic and vain, granted a few reminders from me are often heard (“like you can’t wear white socks with dark pants”). A few times I have caught myself trying to feel embarrassed – like the time he tried to get me to ride the bike with and chain saw engine. In the end do these kind of things really matter? NO! Most always he creates a life that is more fun, practical, and adventurous. I have a feeling I’m helping raise a few more inventors/creators. Life is sure to be full of more future surprises.

Comments:

John said…

Stephen is a wonderful mix of Genius, Hard Work, and Craziness. You throw in a soft and serving heart and you get one heck of a brother. Thanks for the great example you are to all of us. We all could use a little more “Stephen” in all of us.
Monday, December 22, 2008 9:20:29 PM

Mom, Dad and Paul said…

See a need and fill it. Some say it’s a way to get rich, but it’s also a way to get things done. That’s a nice lookin tractor
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:13:33 AM

Jana said…

Glad to be Stephens sister he sure makes any situation more fun and inventive that’s for sure.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 11:52:27 AM

lex said…

hey!I like picking out his ties!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008 4:11:07 PM

Lightning !


On Thursday I had P.E., all the kids were playing lightning ,and I love that game!Anyway I joined in (yes with a broken leg)and I made it from the 3 point line! Yay Me!

Comments:

Riley said…

Nice!!!
Sunday, December 21, 2008 9:26:32 PM

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Ya you indeed! You are full of desire to participate. That is a great gift. Have a happy Christmas.
Monday, December 22, 2008 12:38:49 AM

Mom said…

Way to make the best of a broken bone…you’ve never been the type to sit back and sulk! Nice three pointer…
Monday, December 22, 2008 8:04:22 AM

Ireland flashback for Paul


Here ya go Paul…

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

We don’t even remember seeing these pictures. They are fun to see. Looks like I have a hat like grandpa had when he was in Ireland
Sunday, December 21, 2008 1:04:37 AM

Jana said…

Makes me think of how much fun it was to have grandparents on a mission, Our kids are lucky to have that same blessing and fun memories. They look like they were in their element serving others!
Sunday, December 21, 2008 3:34:00 PM

Jodi said…

I am excited to hear the report Paul…how did it go?
Monday, December 22, 2008 8:05:50 AM

Paul said…

I do recognise the Dunne’s, and the Clark’s. That is grand!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008 11:20:33 AM