Beautiful Day


At the Teton Dam Relay last year…any takers for this year?Finally – Clear skies and the sun is out! I ventured out with the little dude to get my hairs cut. While out I noticed things like a bird on the top branch of a tree, people outside without a coat on, water rolling down the hill from a melting snow pile, and the Madison High cross country team running up Mill Hollow road.

Then I started having visions – the vision of me riding my brand new bike up the hill to the Rexburg Temple, and then the vision of me listening to my ipod tuned into “Beautiful Day” by U2 as I run past the Sugar City Cemetery. I have been called out to play by the sun. It came tempting me to come out and play, but I had to say no for today. Not to worry I will be out very, very soon – I saw it in my vision and I can’t wait!

Comments:

Mom and Dad Parker said…

I love women with vision. “Where there is no vision, …people perish”. Keep dreamining.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 12:56:15 PM

Anne said…

Just around the corner! Enjoy the sun!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 2:29:08 PM

John said…

Keep on dreaming. I am picturing you and Stephen in the Tour de France. Not winning it, but darn close to winning. We are excited to hear you are seeing signs of spring. It is one of my favorite times of the year.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 7:03:27 PM

Jana said…

Sounds like you and I had the same vision…I’ll be riding right next to you and maybe even attempt to run a little.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 9:33:09 PM

mZb said…

Cardinal road bike rule! NO IPODS. Eric just outfitted my bike with fancy new wheels. I am ready.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 3:32:15 PM

Stephanie said…

You are as crazy as Anne, you health nuts. Don’t forget to eat oreo’s every once in a while. Spring fever is a fun thing in Idaho, it lasts for 3 months.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 3:35:48 PM

Amy said…

My yard calls me outside on beautiful days; and if I get caught up in it I can work until dark, ignoring my children and their needs.
Thursday, March 27, 2008 6:51:41 PM

Nine on the Ninth


My Mom and Dad made me an Optimus Prime cakeLucky for Mason it was day light savings today…He woke up at 5 am wanting to celebrate, we told him he couldn’t open up presents until 8. When our alarm clock said 7:00 I remembered that I hadn’t set it forward! So I went and found Mason and told him to go wake up Stephen – much to Stephen’s dismay (he wanted to sleep in and picked the wrong day to do it) Mason was excited to be the recipient of 3 new transformers and the Transformer Movie.

We all know that Mason loves STRAWBERRIES! He chose to have crepes and strawberries for breakfast. Stephen is getting really good at crepe making by the way! Lex even whipped up some real cream! Very tasty. He also loves scrambled eggs and bacon, so we made them too.

As you can see by the photos, Stephen designed and crafted a Transformer (optimus prime) cake out of rice crispies. In the end we were more happy with the appearance than the taste of this cool cake. Stacie’s and Jana’s families came over to watch Mason blow out candles. Also participating via skype at Brad and Amy’s house were Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin, Brad’s family and Michelle’s Family. Pretty cool! We all sang happy birthday to Mason. He thought it was great.

Another fun fact about this year’s birthday is that it was the ninth of March and Mason turned 9 – kind of fun! We love Mason and his curiosity, honesty, energy, creativity, willingness to help out, and handsome SMILE! We can’t believe how fast nine years can go by. Happy Birthday Mason!


I love my strawberry crepes

Comments:

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

That Mason is a fine young man. Happy birthday!
Monday, March 10, 2008 2:24:07 AM

Matt said…

I wish I could have been there!!!
Monday, March 10, 2008 9:17:26 AM

Aunt Anne said…

Mason you are SOOO lucky, not everyone has parents who will make a cool cake like that! We wish we could have been there to help you celebrate. Happy birthday! Keep smiling!
Monday, March 10, 2008 11:10:03 AM

Uncle John said…

Those are two great looking cakes and a fine looking nine year old. You keep on being a great little man.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 7:09:37 PM

Aunt Jana said…

Mason glad you are a part of our big family… you make me smile and Carson thinks your really cool too. Thanks for being a good kid!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 9:37:36 PM

Stacie said…

You know that was what they call a golden birthday! When you turn the age of the number of the month. I was 3 so I don’t remember! Always stay good mason! Quinn watches you close! Thanks for letting me come to you party!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 10:37:58 PM

Amy said…

Brian made a funny comment that people are easily entertained by watching other people on their computer screens. We all just sat and watched you guys in your kitchen. It was pretty funny.
Thursday, March 27, 2008 6:58:26 PM

sami said…

happy birthday!!! i am so glad to be your cousin…
Sunday, March 30, 2008 7:48:44 PM

A cold ride


I took my new road bike out for a ride this morning and boy was it a ride. I had to drop off my CRV at Josh Clarks to have him fix the damage caused by that falling tractor tire a few months back. I thought what better chance to ride my bike. I loaded it in the back seat, dropped of the car and mounted up on the bike. Josh offered to give me a ride but I was already in the mind set of do or die. Just as I was leaving I heard on the radio that is was -3F outside, I quickly found that when you ride at around 20 MPH that feels a LOT colder.

After about 3 miles I thought to myself I am going to freeze to death. My chin was numb, along with my fingers and toes. Eventually I made it home, but even now as I write this I am chilled to the bone. Lesson learned, “just because you can doesn’t mean you should.” What is life without a little opposition though.

Comments:

michelle said…

sounds like spring fever has hit, but not spring! We are ready for some outdoor activities too. I can’t believe how cold it is there-and you have a ton of snow!
Friday, March 07, 2008 11:30:26 AM

Dad said…

It looks like a nice bike, just wait till it’s warmer
Friday, March 07, 2008 1:36:38 PM

Stephanie said…

That’s profound, I am going to borrow that in my parenting lectures. Take care of your body, you only get one.
Saturday, March 08, 2008 5:59:08 PM

Steph said…

Come up here with that bike, the cherry blossoms are just budding along the boardwalk in Portland. We would love to go on a bike ride with you and Jo.
Saturday, March 08, 2008 6:00:52 PM

Movie Debut


Tara Thornock (Stephen’s cousin, who is going to BYU-I) called a few weeks ago and asked me if Mason would help her with a project she was doing for school. This project involved being in a movie that would be shown to all of the second graders in our community. It is a movie to help children feel comfortable with the hospital and going there. When I asked Mason if he was up for it, he was full of reservations – he didn’t know what to expect. Lily and Alexis were anxious to take his place, but I said they needed a little boy. We eventually talked Mason into it and according to Stephen and Tara, he did great! He got to pretend he broke his arm and ride in an ambulance – he even had some speaking parts! Can’t wait to see the final production, Tara said she would get us a copy when it is all finished. Here are some photos of his debut …Just a side note for my personal journaling – Mason has been so excited for his birthday coming up this Sunday. He makes up songs to sing about how many days are left and he is constantly trying to get Lily to tell him what his presents are. He makes us smile! Of course he is in a deep obsession with transformers and that is at the top of his birthday list. When Grandpa and Grandma Baldwin came they gave him a Scout Bear Book for scouts! He was so excited – he loves being a cub scout. Check back Sunday for a birthday update.

Comments:

Aunt Steph said…

Mason you are a star!

I love being the Bear Den Leader, you will have a ton of fun passing off your requirements. This week we are making tool boxes. I hope you have a great leader if not you have Grandpa Baldwin and your Dad to teach you. I don’t let a Wolf become a Bear until he shows me how to growl like one; better practice I will call you Sunday and check on your progress.
Thursday, March 06, 2008 1:00:07 AM

Grandma and Grandpa Parker said…

I can’t wait to see the movie starring Mason. I think to be a good leader you just have to be a good example and then be nice.
Thursday, March 06, 2008 2:52:52 AM

Uncle John said…

Keep on riding for pretend. We don’t want any real broken arms. We have had enough of those. You are the man. We hope to see you in the movies.
Thursday, March 06, 2008 3:30:57 PM

This lesson must be shared!

One of our families favorite movies is, “Hoodwinked”! Click here for a reminder
of the lesson that must be shared! Hope it puts an extra smile on your face, it does for us!

Comments:

mZb said…

Grace’s all time favorite movie! I shared this song with my Webelos Scouts.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008 7:25:58 PM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

Looks like a fun movie. I think it’s a good idea to be prepared, especially to confront sas and difficult challenges with faith that things will be just fine at the end of the day, if we are positive and not whiners. We wnat to be winners not whiners.

Thursday, March 06, 2008 3:01:34 AM

Jana said…

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen that movie it is a goo done. Thanks for the laugh and lesson.
Thursday, March 06, 2008 4:38:07 PM

Patricia said…

One just has to love this movie. It is so funny!
Thursday, March 13, 2008 10:37:47 AM

Mother of Five


I am now a mother of five children! So far so good – I am also not living in reality yet! I haven’t left the house much for over a week, and all I am doing is baby stuff. Stephen and the rest of the crew have been great helping with everything else. It is so fun to have a baby in the house again.

JT is so sweet and heavenly! I love to smell his skin, kiss his cheeks and hold his little hand with my finger or just stare at him. His feet and toes are so miniature, what a miracle.

I took him to the doctor on Monday to get his PKU shot. When they called his name, Joshua Parker, it took me off guard. I have never thought of him as that or called him that yet – it has always been JT. I like it though, just need to adjust my thinking. By the way, he didn’t even cry when they drew his blood, just gave a little grimace. Later that day a lady from the ward was here bringing dinner right in the middle of his dinner and he would not stop crying! Thus I discovered what a little man he is – he is tough with the pain, but when he’s hungry he won’t put up with anything! As you can tell he has been a great baby so far, only crying if he has a need. Once the need is met he is back to sleeping.

Yesterday when he woke up I noticed his left eye was sealed shut with goop. I think he has a clogged tear duct like Lily did. That is not fun for him, but a minor concern. Hopefully it won’t last as long as Lily’s did – 8 months. He also has a tied tongue – like Mason. They aren’t going to clip it because it isn’t effecting his eating. (Same story as Mason) Mason thinks it is cool to have the company.

Stephen added the audio of his cute little cry and snorting – click on the file below his photos. I just love my baby boy!!!

Comments:

Stephanie said…

Matt and Parker are starting to band together as the men of the house. It is fun to have a brother.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008 6:34:12 PM

mZB said…

Quite an accomplishment mother of 5. I can’t think of anyone better suited than you.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008 7:29:11 PM

Dad and Mom Parker said…

That crying brought tears to our eyes too!! Thanks for sharing your feelings. It can be pretty overwhelming at times with alot of kids and lots to do, it’s great to have help. Keep up the good work everyone.
Thursday, March 06, 2008 3:10:19 AM

michelle said…

Jodi-you are awesome! You are a great example of finding joy in motherhood. We can’t wait to hear that sweet little cry in real life!
Thursday, March 06, 2008 4:49:39 PM

Anne said…

SO SWEET! His little snort and cry! Enjoy every minute of it!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 2:27:37 PM

Amy said…

JT looks just like Mason too!
Thursday, March 27, 2008 6:54:24 PM

Mom to the Fifth Degree

I am now a mother of five children! Joshua Taylor (JT) joined our family on Tuesday, February 26th at 6:42 pm. What a precious baby boy sent from heaven. He is so sweet and pure. I love to watch him and his facial expressions and feel his very real spirit. He just makes me smile. I just don’t ever want to forget every detail of these precious days to me. From holding his tiny little hands and kissing his tiny feet – I just want to seer it into my memory and hold on, because I know he will grow up (as he is suppose to) – it just goes too fast. I am relishing the moments to be the mother of another infant, very grateful that I am entrusted to take care of him and bring him up in this mortal world. About a year ago I began having feelings that someone was missing from our family and now here I am with this little bundle of joy and feeling complete. He is so special and full of great promise. My only reservation about all of this obviously is that I can’t freeze this moment forever and that days will turn into years and life with keep on changing. My hope is that he will reach the potential he is designed to achieve and that I can be the guide he needs on his journey. I love my life and being a mom. My patriarchal blessing states that I will find no greater joy than being a mother and it is true. My children are the jewels of my crown, I love them all. I hope to slow my life down and hone in on the important things that make a difference in eternal perspectives. I have faith and testimony that families are forever – My greatest hope and desire is that I can pass that on to all five of my children and that they will have a desire to carry on this sacred tradition.

Give the Lesson or eat Dirt?


I think I would rather eat Dirt. I just have a hard time giving the lesson, being a man of so many words. I am supposed to give the lesson today in EQ and I am dreading it. For some it just comes natural but for me it is like getting water out of dirt. What makes it even more fun is they all know my Dad who could teach a lesson to a tree and it would be great. I think they expect the same from me…boy are they in for a surprise 🙂 My dad always says, “Good or bad it all gets over at the same time.” Bueno Suerte

Comments:

Steph said…

Seize the moment! You are a great teacher, your kids are proof, I love you.
Sunday, March 02, 2008 11:03:04 AM

Juanito said…

Nothing like a little dirt in your teeth to help them pay attention. I am sure you knocked em dead. I am glad to hear that you are not a natural at everything. Remember strength and struggle go together. Let me know if you ever need a little lesson idea. I certainly hit you up for lots of tech questions.
Monday, March 03, 2008 3:29:40 PM

John said…

I have not seen that picture of Mom in the rodeo for a long time. She sure did bite it hard that day. Isn’t that how she broke her arm :)?
Monday, March 03, 2008 3:32:24 PM

Mom and Dad Parker said…

You weren’t a great builder of homes the first hundred nails you pounded in a log. Keep teaching and you’ll become better than you ever dreamed. Your comments made is laugh.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008 8:02:27 AM

Great Song


I was very impressed by David Archuleta in his performance of Imagine. Had to share in case you don’t have a TV 🙂

Comments:

Steph said…

Did you vote for him? He’s our favorite so far. We like Brooke too.
Friday, February 29, 2008 2:13:12 PM

Stephen said…

We didn’t vote at all 🙂 we should have though…he is our favorite so far.
Friday, February 29, 2008 11:06:46 PM

Riley said…

I agree!!! Did you know he is morman?
Saturday, March 01, 2008 6:02:32 PM

I am home!!!


I came home yesterday afternoon, and I am loving it here. I slept pretty well last night, I am still trying to get used to when I should sleep and be awake.

Comments:

michelle said…

I still can’t get over how tiny and cute he is! I sure wish I could see him this weekend! Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Friday, February 29, 2008 8:51:35 AM

Grandpa & Grandma Parker said…

Looks like he found his lungs. He looks so little. I’ll bet he is really loved, and spoiled by his siblings. Olivia might keep him in line. Good Luck.
Friday, February 29, 2008 9:38:38 AM

John said…

That is one good looking kid. Enjoy the little man. Can’t wait to see him in person.

Friday, February 29, 2008 2:17:04 PM

Stephanie said…

What a handsome little guy. He looks like Mason. His feet are so little and cute. It almost makes me want another one.
Monday, March 10, 2008 1:43:17 PM