We Are Moving!!!


We are moving to the new domain name, www.stephensparker.com/wp seemed to be the most liked by all and easy to remember as well. Please update your Favorites/Bookmarks to use www.stephensparker.com/wp from now on…Let me know if you have any questions.

Comments:

Anne said…

Thanks for all the work you put in to this. I am trying to remember how to set it as the page that comes up when you go to the internet, sorry, I forget things quickly. Also, I was wondering if there is a way for me to make a column like the months but for my races, quilts. Is this way to much to figure out? Thanks!
Monday, April 28, 2008 9:40:38 AM

jana said…

Sounds good! I like the name you chose. Thanks for your hard work to keep us connected!
Monday, April 28, 2008 10:18:02 PM

Burn baby burn!


It’s official, spring has come long enough for the country folk to burn their ditch banks! The smell of burning weeds and sight of blackened banks is everywhere we go. I am really feeling badly that my mom isn’t here…you see this was one task that she just adored!!! She couldn’t wait to get her hands on a matchbook and rake, I always thought it was dangerous and most of all stinky. Today we drove out to Burton and past my old house. I am happy to report that the new owners have followed suit and the ditch bank was burnt (maybe they put that in the closing papers)! And for the first year I am catching the vision of why this must be done – I’ve even put in my request for the ditch out by our lane.

One other thing, I have to give a shout out to my great friend Dana. Her birthday is Tuesday. When she stopped by on Saturday we sang to her against her request, but we just had to let her know we love her. She is an amazing person and one of my favorite people to talk to! It is a special treat to have a friend you completely trust and can always pick up where you left off. She is nice to look over my flaws and faults. Glad she’s still around even though I’ve moved.

Comments:

Mom Parker said…

I remember that time of year and burning our ditch in front of our house. I never really did the burning that was my dad’s job but it makes me alittle homesick to think about it. I also have a wonderful friend who I love and trust and can pick-up with when ever, they’re great to have. I also have a wonderful family, thanks everyone!!!!!
Monday, April 28, 2008 9:39:21 AM

Mom Baldwin said…

Jodi, your comments are making me a little homesick! I’m glad that ditch bank got burned. The green grass will be coming along soon. I knew it was Spring when I could burn the ditch bank. I love the smell, too. It reminds me of when I was a little girl and my parents burned leaves, etc. I always wanted to be around and help them.

Friends are great to have. You are one of my best friends. I love you, Jodi.
Monday, April 28, 2008 10:52:43 PM

Steph said…

Aren’t we lucky to have good friends. I am looking forward to picking up where I left off with a couple friends there in Rexburg. I am blessed to have good sister-in-laws too. I always enjoy our retreats, we also pick up where we left off. I love you guys!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 10:43:20 AM

Anne said…

Yes, the spring ditch burning is something I didn’t grow up with, but have learned of since being married. My neighbors actually were burning last week.

Friends are so great! I am glad you have a great friend like Dana…Happy Birthday Dana!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 1:58:05 PM

Baby Legs


Mr. JT Baby LegsJT grew enough to finally fit into his “baby legs”. I think they are so fun and cute. They are basically leg warmers for babies and make diaper changing very easy. My sister-in-law, Magan, told me about them and we (Alexis, Lily, and I) had to get some for JT. They wanted some for themselves, but baby legs are a little spendy so we took a pair of old tights with holes in the feet and made some for Alexis and Lily. Older kids wear them for arm warmers…

JT is now two months old! He is cooing like crazy and smiling easily and often too. Such fun to have him around. The other night Stephen and I were hanging out with him and put him on his tummy. It was a fluke thing, but we both watched as he pushed himself over on his back. We were startled to say the least. He must be doing push ups in his sleep or something. Lily is just in love with the little guy. Every time (and I am not exaggerating!) she walks past him she kisses him on the head and stops to talk. She has been one of the greatest helpers to just hold him while I need to get something done. (Lex and Mason help too, but they are gone more often)

Alexis was JT’s first babysitter. Yesterday Stephen and I went for a ride with Jana and Ryon on our bikes!!!! I was proud of myself for being able to leave him for an hour (of course with cell phone in hand and a call to check in). Things went well and he survived without me.

Can’t believe how fast time goes by, before I know it he’ll be two years old. I am definitely enjoying every minute!


Smiley Pants
Trying out his new swing!

Comments:

Uncle John said…

He is a good looking little “pippy long stockings” (in the manly sorta way). It sounds like you get lots of help and love for him. It is crazy how fast he is growing up. You know I love leg warmers being an 80’s kid.

Sunday, April 27, 2008 9:54:37 PM

Dad and Mom Parker said…

Hey they wear leg warmers here but they are plain colored. We think it for the cold houses they live in. Babies are all layered up for the cold.
Monday, April 28, 2008 9:43:38 AM

MzB said…

Love the baby legs! Styling dude!
Monday, April 28, 2008 8:14:35 PM

Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin said…

What a handsome little guy! He is growing up so fast. Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin need to take a trip to Rexburg and check this little boy and his brother and sisters out. Cute, cute little guy. He looks like Mason a lot!
Monday, April 28, 2008 10:27:11 PM

Steph said…

Oh! He’s so handsome! I can’t wait to meet him. He needs some camo baby legs. I love your pictures.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 10:49:58 AM

Aunt Anne said…

He is SO cute! So glad you got out on a fun little ride too. It makes me a better mom when I get a way for a minute. Love the leg warmers! Give him a kiss for me! Can’t wait to see him!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 2:03:33 PM

Friends!


I love having close friends! The other day I went to an awesome magic show,with 4 of my friends.(it was a birthday party for Christina Barrus)Then the next day my friend, Ashton Kirkham, from Idaho Falls came. Friend Day for Ashton and I is the 26th of every month – we got this number because my favorite number is 2 and Ashton’s is 6. That night I went to my friend, Shay’s and we played night games! Like I said I love having close friends!

Comments:

Grandpa and Grandma Parker said…

Friends are great to have. They always make you feel good. We love friends too!!!!
Monday, April 28, 2008 9:45:56 AM

Grandma Baldwin said…

Alexis, friends are the best! One can never have enough. Be sure to be a good friend as well as have a good friend! Friends always want you to be the best person you can be. That’s a “true friend”. I love you, alexis.
Monday, April 28, 2008 10:47:11 PM

Aunt Anne said…

Lexi, I love spending time with friends too! You know what they say, “If you are a good friend, you will always have a friend!” So keep on being a great friend and have fun!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008 2:00:59 PM

What’s in a name?

I need feedback on what name we should use for the Bruce and Sharon Parker family website. Please leave your comments on what you prefer….there is a company in Denmark that wants to purchase ssptech.com really bad and it is not the best fit anyhow so we need to get a new name…

stephensparker.com/wp
Jbpclan.com
Brucensharon.com
Islandparkers.com

or any others you may like better that are available.

Comments:

Jana said…

I think that you are on a roll with all of those names! They all sound great.
Friday, April 25, 2008 4:21:59 PM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Flip a coin and then choose the one you want. They’re all good. Mom likes parkerfamily more than a “Sharonbruce” thing.
Sunday, April 27, 2008 7:44:18 AM

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious


Just the song for Alexis…she did a great job playing in her recital last night. I would like to hear how it went for Jodi. 🙂 I was in the hall with Olivia the whole time because she was a little out of control.

Comments:

Grandpa and Grandma Parker said…

You look so happy and cute. Your talents will be used for the rest of your life, so remember to keep practicing.
Thursday, April 24, 2008 3:10:51 PM

Aunt Anne said…

I love that song! You will have to play it for us next time we see you! Keep up the good work and you will be playing Phantom soon!
Thursday, April 24, 2008 4:26:13 PM

Aunt Jana said…

Way to go Lexi… we need our own concert sometime all you girls are so talented! Keep with the piano it’ll be great blessing to your family when you have your own! I loved hearing your mom play when I lived in her basement years ago! Plus music can really invite the Spirit.
Thursday, April 24, 2008 7:18:01 PM

Steph said…

I took drivers ed. with your piano teacher. She was funny to drive with. She is a super nice lady. Keep developing your talents and surrounding yourself with good people.
Friday, April 25, 2008 9:06:31 AM

Aunt Susan said…

Keep practicing and soon it will actually be FUN to practice. Music will always be a huge blessing in your life. I am proud of you!
Friday, April 25, 2008 12:08:49 PM

Plow then Snow?


I couldn’t help but notice that yesterday Derek was out plowing his fields in preparation for planting. As I drove to work this morning I noticed he was getting his grain drill all hooked up ready to plant. Then later today I look outside to see a snow storm. What ever happened to “April showers bring May flowers” I always thought that meant rain showers. Crazy weather around here.

Comments:

Dad and Mom Parker said…

Rain or snow it all makes water for the ground, but we’re sure you must be getting tired of snow. But you do know it will melt now, so that’s good.
Thursday, April 24, 2008 3:07:24 PM

Anne said…

Yeah…we have had sun, rain, and snow today! Crazy weather here to!
Thursday, April 24, 2008 4:24:59 PM

Jana said…

I was thinking that it was November 24th this morning I had to double check my calendar… sure is crazy weather, but I guess it will all pay off in the end. I love them Taters!!
Thursday, April 24, 2008 7:14:48 PM

Steph said…

We had a hail storm yesterday. I guess the weather is crazy everywhere. It has affected the price of wheat and rice too. We have been warned for a long time to get prepared and now it is time to be tested. We are going to plant our garden this weekend rain, shine, hail, snow. Hopefully it will be better weather then what you are having. Enjoy your warm house!
Friday, April 25, 2008 9:09:48 AM

Mother may I?


Alright all of you “Green” wannabes! Now is the time to make a change. Stephen and I recently watched a show that is inspiring us to be more kind to our Mother Earth. It really isn’t that hard, we just need to be more conscience. One simple way we are making a change is by only taking 5 minute showers. What are you doing to make your “mother” happy? We want to know . . . so we can be better and pass on a good tradition to our kids. (I noticed some recycling bins over by the library for all of the Rexburg folk.) A little love goes a long way they say…GO GREEN.

Comments:

Steph said…

Hear in Vancouver they take green seriously and everyone has 3 recycling bins and the school recycles all of the paper and even the organic food waste in the cafeteria. At home we try to cut down on water too but for us it is important to reuse plastic containers. Our recycling center only takes containers with an opening smaller than the bottom. Buy yogurt in a big container so you only have one to throw away instead of many. They are also good for left overs. Anyhow, I am kind of a green fan, in my Patriarchal Blessing it says I will help protect and preserve the environment. I don’t think I am a granola or anything but I am trying to be conscious of my ‘mother’. Thanks Jodi
Thursday, April 24, 2008 10:16:04 AM

Bruce and Sharon said…

They have recycling bins here, well acutually there are 3 bins for metal, plastic and glass and then just trash. They put cloths and other things that are useful by the bins and people just go by and get things they can use. We are very aware of water here too. Thanks for the advice.
Thursday, April 24, 2008 3:02:50 PM

Anne said…

Good reminder for us! We recycle, plus I have some big bags I try and bring them when I shop to cut down on plastic bags. Since I watched the go green Oprah show, I try to use less napkins too! Every little thing helps.
Thursday, April 24, 2008 4:21:03 PM

Jana said…

We do need to be more aware of our mother earth.. we have been trying to recycle more than usual and to turn our water off while we are brushing our teeth instead of letting it run the whole time…every little bit can help I guess.
Thursday, April 24, 2008 7:20:58 PM

Amy Baldwin said…

Use fluorescent light bulbs instead of the regular incandescent ones. Whenever one of mine burn out I change it out with a fluorescent one.
Friday, May 16, 2008 7:44:41 PM

Band Aides to the Rescue!


Friday night Olivia was out on the swing set. Lily gave her an underdog that went bad. She hit her head on one of the posts. While there wasn’t a speck of blood – my eyes could only detect a small scratch – she insisted that a band aid would make it all better. She went to our band aide location and here is what she came out looking like a few minutes later.

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

Olivia, you look like you had a tough time on the swing today. The band-aides look good on you. Be careful, we love you.
Monday, April 21, 2008 12:48:55 AM

Aunt Anne said…

The band-aids have a magic power. Hope you are all better olivia!
Monday, April 21, 2008 1:00:39 PM

Steph said…

Taylor had to wear a band-aid on her face to school today. I think they are stylish. Be careful out on the swings with those crazy siblings.
Monday, April 21, 2008 1:57:59 PM

Riley said…

Does it feel better now?
Monday, April 21, 2008 6:04:13 PM

Uncle John said…

I am a huge fan of the band aid. I carry them in my wallet just in case. Glad it wasn’t Stephen in the swing he would have been super glued together and busted up. You are a tough girl Oliva.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 10:12:54 PM

tio pablo said…

o mi ninita eres tan chistosa! me haces sonreir!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 5:08:24 PM

Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin said…

So sorry to hear about your accident, Olivia. Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin hope those band-aids helped you feel better. Be more careful next time, okay? We are sad when you get hurt. We love you!
Monday, April 28, 2008 10:32:26 PM

A Few Good Things


Happy to eat my pink peppermint cany. They never taste as good as they do when I’m at Grandpa and Grandma’s house.I woke up this morning from a restless night and with a killer headache. I told Stephen that I needed to sleep in a little. He helped keep everything under control so that I could rest a bit. A GOOD HUSBAND helped me out!

This morning I noticed I had some bananas that were going bad. In an attempt to save them from the garbage I decided to make a quick batch of banana bread. Yummy, yummy, yummy I’ve got love in my tummy! Smelled GOOD and tasted GOOD.

JT decided to eat at very convienient times today! We were able to get to church on time and without too much stress! GOOD TIMING!

We got to church and I heard a GOOD TALK. I was in the mother’s lounge listening to the other ward’s sacrament meeting. A cute girl from Chile was talking about her conversion story. It was very touching. She said several times that she had a GOOD life before she was baptized, but now it is so much better. She was so grateful for the sacrifices that missionaries make to take the gospel truth to people all around the world. I thought about Bruce and Sharon and what GOOD things they are doing for others in Portugal.

You know, there are some GOOD PEOPLE in Sugar City. It has taken me some months to embrace this fact, but it is true. I have enjoyed getting to know their GOOD HEARTS.

Speaking of GOOD PEOPLE – Our friends, the Galers, stopped by to drop off something that Scott got for me while in China. I was reminded how nice it is to have GOOD FRIENDS.

We took our family to Blackfoot tonight for a Baldwin Family Home Evening. It was GOOD to see aunts and uncles and cousins and my Grandma. My Grandma is a silent giant who has done countless GOOD DEEDS all of her 93 years of life. I loved to see her happy smile tonight. She is very gentle and kind. Two characteristics I wish I had more of.

While I was at Grandma’s house, with the help of Lily we found the pink dish that holds the peppermint candies! (remember my nostalgia with these from my Grandpa Gussy post?) I was happy to indulge myself to eat this GOOD TREAT.

What a GOOD LIFE I had today.

And now it’s time to say, GOOD NIGHT.


This was the coolest toy ever! I loved playing on it when I was a kid. Doesn’t look too safe though!
“Don’t eat Pete” game.
Pin the tag on the missionary Mason!

Olivia helping give out the treats.
Grandma using “skype” to talk to my dad and mom.

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

GOOD FRIENDS and GOOD FAMILY are two of the Lord’s sweetest “tender mercies” that we prize in this life. We are blessed with both abundantly.
Monday, April 21, 2008 12:45:32 AM

Stephen said…

It all starts with a GOOD Wife 🙂
Monday, April 21, 2008 9:11:54 AM

jana said…

I agree with both of the comments above, you are an amazing wife, friend,example,and sister to me thanks for being so GOOD to me!
Monday, April 21, 2008 11:47:18 AM

Anne said…

Jodi my life is GOOD because YOU are in it! So glad that you had a GOOD day! Hugs!
Monday, April 21, 2008 12:58:36 PM

Steph said…

I love the Galer Family too. Tell them hi for me. It’s really is a GOOD life. Thanks for reminding me.
Monday, April 21, 2008 1:53:14 PM

Pam Thornock said…

Jodi (and Stephen), I wasn’t sure where the best place was to comment with a big THANK YOU for capturing Tara on Idaho’s 6 o’clock news for us. We hope to catch up to your technical expertise if and when we can keep Tara home long enough to teach us a thing or two. It was great having Tara home for a week. We had many good family times, and look forward to the day when we can record them in a family blog site such as this. I also want to let Jodi know that I just got called as Primary President in our ward and it appears she’s into Primary, so I may be calling to pick your brain for ideas. I’ve served in every part of Primary over the years, and I have loved it. I hope I will love being the President as much as being with the children.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 4:58:40 PM

John said…

You are a GOOD writer and a GREAT person. Thanks for sharing.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 10:17:24 PM