Our Family

New blog!

2012-10-23T08:02:00.004-07:00

So it's been a while

I started a new blog!

Not sure if I'll keep up with this one for family stuff or not..

Haven't decided...

But check out my new blog!!

http://starrstown.blogspot.com/

Desserts in the Shower?

2012-09-24T13:44:00.002-07:00

No, no,no.

Desserts at the shower

I was happy to throw together this little shower for my amazing friend, Erin

(with tons of help!)

She is waiting on baby #3 to be born so we wanted to celebrate!

Of course, I didn't take enough pictures but take a gander anyway!

(I must confess I was so please with how the desserts turned out I took WAY too many pictures of food.

Just a few of the girls! More came, but I got distracted and didn't take enough photos!

Get your drool on!!

Thank you to so many people who helped! Especially Sandra for opening her home to us :)

Summer time parties!

2012-09-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

Drake's Birthday Party :)

Followed up by the Ward BBQ all in one day!

Birthday Boy!

Splash

Action Shot, love it

And a butt grab. Welcome to the world of water slides my dear child.

Thought this was a fun sequence of shots. Click to make larger. Love seeing Ray run around while Wendy chows down

Ward BBQ!

I love Watermelon!

She ate 4 or 5 pieces

Slide!

Ignore my talking during the video...

These were all just so cute. But what have I learned? I don't know how to use my camera! Hence the blurry-ness. Good thing I have some photography classes coming up in the next few semesters!

Smirk. The Wendy-Bird.

Getting Wild

2012-09-21T08:49:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago, okay more like a month, we decided to join the wild animals at

Bear World

They are very wild, indeed.

Well not really.

We started our trip with a drive through the wild-life park.

Ray pointing out the "baby deer"

This kiddo is so smart, especially with animals!

He knew all the names before we told him.

UH-mazing!

Wendy actually talks, a lot. I'll give you a bit of a translation:

Wendy-"There it is! Puppies! Woof Woof Woof! (jabber jabber) Aaawww, so nice. Buh-bye puppy, see ya! (blows longest kiss ever)"

May I remind you this was taken a month ago when she was 20 months?!?

This girl is such a talker!

Okay, done bragging about my kids!

Oh, no I'm not.
After the driving part, there was a walk-through part and petting zoo.

Here's more pictures

24 before 25!

Zoo-Whooooooo!

2012-09-20T07:03:00.001-07:00

A few weeks back,we went to the Zoo!

That's where we took the above video.

Man, my kids are the best. things. ever.

Idaho Falls have the cutest, sweetest little Zoo you've ever seen.

For real.

Its pretty small, but so is the price and it makes a perfect day for the fam-damily.

Never been? Go!

Checking out the penguins

Hah! Ray's face cracks me up in this one!

Ray wanted to push Wendy all day long. Cuties!

Love my family :)

24 before 25!

#1-Read the Book of Mormon cover-to-cover

2012-09-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

24 before 25

I decided to get more organized as I attempted my first goal on the list.

Read the entire Book or Mormon cover to cover.

Okay. First. What is the "Book of Mormon"?

Simply-put:

Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

I'm a Latter-Day Saint, or more well known as a "Mormon".

As one part of our religion, we study the Book of Mormon.

The book contains an account of ancient people living in what we now know as

North and South America.

This site is really helpful in answering specific questions about the

Book of Mormon
http://mormon.org/book-of-mormon

I decided to create an excel document to help me stay on track and organized.

I taped it into the back of my scriptures and
WALA! Organized!

I'm scheduled to read 10 chapters a week which I found easily attainable if I set my mind to it.

The best time for me to read is during breakfast with my kids.

I aim to read two chapters each morning, that way if something comes up or a chapter is more lengthy I have some wiggle room.

Sigh....

I've already noticed a difference in my daily life.

I feel much more peace when I make personal scripture study a priority.

It just keeps me on track!

Light, Airy, Bliss-A Bedroom Renew

2012-08-25T19:25:00.001-07:00

24 before 25!

Relief. Excitement. I'm never going to do this again!

All reactions of finally finishing my bedroom make-over!

Pictures galore

I am so happy with the results!

I still have a few little projects I'd like to add to the room but the bulk is done!

Halle-freakin'-lujah!!

It was seriously so so so soooo much work! (worth it!!)

If you are thinking of tackling a project like this your first stop is good ol' Home Depot.

I'd recommend snagging some poor soul who is working there, keep asking him questions and to show you where everything is. Two hours later you will feel very prepared and ready to take that sucker-of-a-room on!!

Some before shots...

See those walls? It was pretty dark in our bedroom. Some people may like that but I was not digging it at all.

Beautiful furniture from my parents for our wedding. I was ready for a change in color but wanted to keep everything so I got to work!

First step

Took everything apart and outside and sanded the crap out of the furniture. If you ever plan to do this, make sure you use an electric sander, ya'll. Doing this without one? I'd still be sanding and probably no longer have finger nails.

That being said, it took me the bulk of two freaking weeks to get this all sanded! Even with the electric sander AND lots of random helpers.

During shots...

Okay! Sanded! Next I spray painted the sides of the drawers, painted the dresser, added the stain to the bed frame and nightstand and waited for everything to dry.

Next step was to add a glossy coat to each piece.

Dry.

Sand that coat lightly.

Add another glossy coat.

Dry.

Done with furniture!!

(Now that I am typing this all out it doesn't seem like much work but it really was, I swear. I'm serious.)

Next step? Created an event on facebook inviting all my girlfriends over to have a treats. Oh and help paint my bedroom. That too. (Thanks Jess and Diana!) That way we got it done all in one night!

Done with painting!

Last few steps! Got my awesome husband to help me get all that furniture back up stairs.

Spent forever getting things how I liked

Installed the curtain rod

Hung my cute curtains, homemade ya'll!

Done!

After pics! There are lots and random children in some. It's tough getting a good shot with those little munchkins running around.

Heaven!!

Still need to add another pillow. Trying to decide on one!

If I could I would marry this quilt. I love it so much. One of the biggest accomplishments of my life!

My tiny sewing corner with my perfect table Joey got me for Christmas a couple of years ago. Plus the lovely machine my MIL, Denise has been loaning to me :)

The Wendy-Bird

Amazing desk from my parents! Perfect gift! It's a little cluttered, don't mind!


Didn't you know? I am a total nerd and have a Peter Pan collection. YYe that's right. My mom is always on the lookout for the next to be added to my collection. I have some pretty cool ones, a couple are from the 1950's.


There. Now ya'll know my some-what embarrassing secret. Love this sweet story.(Do you know my daughter's name??) Read it? No?! Get on that! Read it!

Fun pop! (See Ray?)

Awesome Ross find.

Ignore the eye-sore-craft-drawers. Thats a project for later!

Spray-painted the hardware to match :)

Whew.

I am in love/bliss/heaven/ecstasy every time I step into my perfect room.

On the random

2012-08-12T20:24:00.003-07:00

So I think my kids are cutest.babies.ever.

Proof below

"I love Costa Vida!"

The morning after we left all our windows open all night. It was 60 degrees when we woke up. Snuggles were required!

Oh and Ray got his craft on yesterday...

This boy is so handsome

Stud

Happy Sunday!

Big Pants

2012-08-10T19:13:00.002-07:00

I've been dieting recently.

And I didn't want to blog it or announce it on Facebook because it's just oh so shameful when I give up and fail.

So I didn't tell anyone.

Well that's not true.

If you are a "real" friend (as in one who spends time with me or comes to my house) You have been well aware of my dieting.

Oh and my mom.

Of course my mom knows. I talk to that wonderful face every day.

If you were to come to my back door this very moment you would see my current weight scribbled across my white board. Yep.That's right. For all the world to see. (All the world meaning anyone who knows me well enough to come a-knocking on my back door.)

I have about 10 pounds to go till I reach my goal but I wanted to post this wonder of a picture above.

Look how big those pants are?! And they used to fit me just right.

Amazing!

On a side note, I treated myself to Taco Bell and Oreos dipped in milk today.

And I feel so sick. It's been hours and I still want to barf. I hope to forever remember the bubbling feeling of barf requesting to shoot up my throat every time I think of Taco Bell and Oreos again. That ought to help me keep the weight off!

Keep an eye out for the day I can blog an epic post when I finally reach my goal!!

Fancy Sunday

2012-08-06T11:04:00.002-07:00

Statement: Fabric is expensive.

Cheap solutions:

1-Buy a $5 flat twin sheet from Walmart

2- Save stuff and have a mindset towards re-purposing

I decided to try out a simple dress I saw on Pinterest with some added fun. It's actually a mish-mash of several tutorials and some ideas I had knocking around in my head.

Supplies-

flat twin sheet in fun color- $5 Walmart

trim fabric- stash

Snaps- stash

lots of elastic- from a fitted sheet I used for a different project (re-purposed!)

thread- stash

Velcro- stash

Result? Matching Mama and Wendy dresses and a fun bow tie for Ray

And what Sunday afternoon photo session would be complete without a zit on my chin and BBQ sauce on Wendy's face?

24 before 25!!

Got Sprockets?

2012-07-23T21:06:00.002-07:00

Part of my 24 before 25!!

Just a little diddy I sewed together last night.

Pretty darn simple and the tutorial has a-m-a-z-i-n-g pics and directions.

Check it out!

Inspiration.....


Via

Yay for Pinterest!

Result!!

Yay! It looks so perf on our bed but when I took the pic Joey was sleeping in our bed.... so....

Just imagine it! Click over here to see that post.

Anyway, I need to make 1 more pillow to really finish off our bedding.

(3 decorative pillows looks better than 2!)

I have some ideas but if anyone out there has just the cutest thing ever, show me!

P.S. I started sanding my furniture! AND i spent over 2 hours at Home Depot today.

Ridiculous but amazing :)

We'll miss you, Preators!

2012-07-21T16:48:00.003-07:00

Our good friends, the Preators, left this weekend :(

Before they left we had some fun at FatCats.

And of course I am lame and didn't get pictures of us all together. Lame.

But we had so much fun :)

We miss you already!!

And a couple vids of the kiddos bowling.
Key-Ute

I can't get the thing to work so check out the links :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKjiIV7_E9M&feature=plcp

Surprise! New Do!

2012-07-21T16:17:00.001-07:00

Wanted a change so here is goes!
The Hair.....

Before

After!

I'm a blonde! For the first time in my life! I am totally loving it.

If you need to get your hair done in Rexburg go to who I went to! She is amazing. I'll give you her name and number, just ask :)

Bedroom :)

2012-07-21T16:10:00.001-07:00

Here is my big project of the semester

Also, part of the 24 Before 25 :)

Take a looksie!

Inspirations via pinterest

The final product!!

I got to learn a lot from this quilt. Free motion quilting was completely new to me and I am now

IN LOVE

with it!

One of my next projects is to re stain the wood in my bedroom set :)

Keep you posted!

Gorgeous. I am in love.

Smattering of backyard water fun :)

2012-07-21T15:48:00.002-07:00

Just a little 4th of July parade and Saturday carnival :)

2012-07-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

I just took a couple pictures of my cutie family.

Wendy's face cracks me up in the first one!!!

There was a fun free carnival over at Super Savers. Lots of free samples and coupons.

Fun!

Below is our little friend David. Just too cute of a picture NOT to post!

I think this picture pretty well exemplifies the fun time the kiddos had!

Summer has been kind to us :)

Quick Run to St. George

2012-07-21T15:32:00.000-07:00

On our way to St. George we stopped at Amy and Michael's.

Look at this little birdie nest! So cute!

But of course there is a price to pay for such cuteness...

Between Orem and St. George there were some crazy wild fires. I was surprised how close to the road it was. Smooooke

Look! You can see flames!

For our short weekend we had a wonderful time!

We had a picnic at Pine Valley. The it is up in the mountains aways and very pleasant. The kids had a blast and were super cute with their Aunties and Uncles and Grandma and Grandpa.

And it wouldn't be a trip to the woods without at least somebody peeing on a tree....

Brothers! Michael and Joey. We took the trip to see Michael and Amy before they headed off to Hardvard for Michael to attend Law School.

Girlies!

Siblings :) Half of them anyway...

Fun weekend!!!

Yard Sale

2012-07-21T15:08:00.001-07:00

(Yay! this Fulfills a 24 Before 25 goal! Wahoo!)

A few weekends back our street had a marvelous yard sale. We made over $430!

Wendy really brought a lot sales in :)

This Girl has sass

2012-07-21T13:27:00.003-07:00

And I love her

Creative Writing Winner!

2012-07-19T08:32:00.000-07:00

I won 1st place for my category in my creative writing class. Wahoo!

Here is the piece that brought it home :)
This also checks off another item on my 24 before 25 list!
And I submitted this for publication in an online journal.

Stickers, Marshmallows, Erections and Other Three Year Old Boy Things.

     It’s been a long time coming. I wanted to ignore it. But it came and went. My son’s third birthday. My son who still has his diaper bulging through his pants, with friends who have long since potty-trained. He was ready to ditch that diaper and put on his Buzz Light Year undies and face this big new world. He was ready to embark on the grand adventurous ride of the plastic dinosaur potty we had stashed in the bathroom closet. He was ready to spend a week sucking down CapriSuns, munching on fishy crackers, slurping down otter pops, eyes glued on Dora the Explorer 6am-6pm, all the while that plastic dinosaur potty looming in the peripheral. My son, he was ready, but I was not.
Day one:
    Commence crying fits and power struggles. By the end of the day we have achieved half of a pee that actually made it to the potty. All else soaked the undies, creating a lot of laundry. When it was discovered that Lightning McQueen’s face would never be legible again, that pair went straight to the trash. The before mentioned half a pee started a dance revolution throughout the household so energetic and excited that my son peed his pants. How is that not a step backward?
    Note to self: encourage less jumping during the pee-pee celebration dance.

Day two:
    My son has discovered something just so hilarious about his penis. If he flexes his muscles a certain way…

    “Look, mommy! Dancing penis!”

After a few gleeful moments of this bopping dance, my son discovers something even more wonderful than before.

    “Look, mommy! Big penis!”
Reminder to self: Your son gets erections. He is just a little kid but it happens. In fact, it’s happened since he was 10 months old. It’s biology, he can’t help it! Until now….
    Note to self: Try not to die of embarrassment when your neighbor comes over to borrow an egg and your son answers the door completely naked, erected penis spotlighted in the sun. Just try….

Day three:
    Words have erupted from my mouth that have never been strung together before.
    “Yay pee-pee! Pee-pee in the potty! Yay! Okay, go wash your hands, get a marshmallow and put a sticker on the potty sheet!”
We continue with the pee-pee song and dance which is portrayed as a naked march through the living room to words sung out in a rhythmic procession “Pee-pee in the potty, Pee-pee in the potty, Pee-pee in the potty!” Here I should note that my son is naked, not me.
    Note to self: You can’t have an ego and be a sufficient parent. Learn to accept this fact.
Day four:
    This is when I notice my son hasn’t pooped since day one. I get worried. I start to follow him around. I refuse to leave him alone for one second afraid he will ruin the multiple Wall-e’s printed across his butt.

    “Diaper, mommy?”

    “Nope, you have to go poo-poo in the potty. No diapers, sorry kiddo”

    My phone rings. I chance a moment away, just a small moment... Several days of salty snacks and sugary drinks creates a perfect urine recipe. I have discovered this same recipe plays with the intestines and bowels in ways I had not known previously existed.
    Note to self: Start saving to get the carpets professionally cleaned. Also, buy more underwear.

Day seven:
    He’s graduated from the dinosaur potty to the actual toilet. I exhale relief as I stash that potty away. That potty grosses me out. Flushable pee has brought new light to my previously yellow world. And my son has honed his listening skills and knows when his body needs the facilities.

    “Diaper, mommy?”

    “C’mon, love. Please, just go poo-poo in the potty. It’s been days! You can do it. I’ll give you three marshmallows and triple stickers.”

    20 full minutes of crying and threats later…

    “Look, mommy! Poo-poo in the potty! Poo-poo snake!”

Raucous dance celebration ensues.
    Note to self: It’s okay for fecal matter to make you happier than you ever remember feeling… right?

    End of week one.
Stats:
# of retired pairs of undies-5
# of sticker sheets used-3
# of mini-marshmallow bags- 2
Price for carpet cleaners- $120
# of potty-trained 3 year olds in our home- 1
# of ecstatic pee-pee pleased parents- 2

Initiate celebration dance.

Weekend of Family Firsts

2012-06-19T19:53:00.001-07:00

Last weekend= the best!

Let me tell you how cool and adventurous us Starrs' were...

Friday afternoon started with the boy's first ever....

Father and Sons Camp out!!

Here is the crew! (plus Wendy) Joey rode up with our neighbor, Scott and his son, Max. The boys were so cute. They are both strapped in, ready for adventure, yet each holding a favorite stuffed animal. Pretty key-yute!

Joey said the campground was beautiful! And Ray was a perfect adventurous angel the entire time.

Is this the sweet kind of face that would later pick up a full size ax and almost give Joey a heart attack? (Ray was curious... but Joey neutralized the situation before anything got serious...whew!)

Ray l-o-v-e loved sleeping in the tent. The next night at home he sneaked out of bed, trying to look for the tent to sleep in. Cracks me up!

Ray and Max, being buds. I'll forever owe Max because Ray saw him pee in the woods and is now totally interested in using the potty. I think I'll kiss Max next time I see him...

Just like every other 3 year old boy would be, Ray was fascinated with the flashlights. Joey got the head one for Ray but he wanted both all night.

Joey told me Ray was probably the youngest kid there. I'm really proud of my boys, braving bear-country to enjoy the outdoors and each other.

Meanwhile back at home....

While the boys were gone, a friend of mine invited Wendy and me over for a sleepover!! (First one for Wendy and first one for me, as an adult.) Jessica has a son about the same age as Ray who was at the camp out with his dad. And she also has a daughter about the same age as Wendy. The stars were aligned and it was meant to be!

We started the night off with some pizza. I brought Wendy's high chair, but once she saw Susie sitting like a big girl, that is all she wanted!

Here is cutie, Susie. She has the sweetest dimples!

Here is Wendy! She chowed down on the pizza!

What sleepover would be complete without painting nails?

Susie was a pro! She has done this before...


Wendy? Not so much. This was our first attempt. It was pretty messy but still super fun and key-yute! Yay for completing another 24 Before 25!

Jessica went all out at the dollar store getting each girl a princess dress up outfit! Complete with heels! The little cuties were almost too cute to handle.

What party is complete without some bubbles and a princess wand?

Wendy was a little shaky in those heels. She used the car to keep her balanced


Susie and Wendy were just so cute together!

I just had to add this video. Susie walked in those heels like she was born in them! I think they loved the sound they made. They loved walking on the tile. the video is about 30 seconds.

The next morning! The girls played in their jammies in the front yard. I didn't get a very good shot of them, they were both running around too much!

While the girlies slept, Jessica and I worked on some crafting/father's day gifts and chatted. all. night. long. It was perfect girl time! Thanks again, Jess!

Saturday...

Since Ray got some one-on-one daddy time with Joey, I thought Wendy should get some special time too! Joey took Wendy on their first ever...

Daddy-Daughter Date!

Posing for a picture!

Wendy, cheesing it up! She looks so mature in this picture! Not my little baby anymore!

On their way! They had dinner at Wingers and ice cream at Cold Stone. Joey said Wendy stood on the bench the whole time, sharing Joey's dinner, and dancing to the music. I wish I could have seen how cute they both were!

Sunday Morning...

Wendy's new favorite way to eat her breakfast...

I think she had 3 bowls of cereal that morning. Funny girl!

Happy Father's Day, Joey! What a perfect way to celebrate by spending the weekend with your kiddos!!

Close-up of the tie the kids made for Joey to wear to church (okay, I helped...)

Also, Wendy went to nursery for the first time on Sunday! No pics of that though, I'll try to snag a few next week!

Perfect weekend for my happy family

YAY!

Ruffles

2012-06-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

Part of my 24 Before 25!!

I am currently in a home decor sewing class.

SO.MUCH.FUN

My first project was a shower curtain :) it turned out lovely.

My second project (i turned it in today) was an awesome pillow.

Reasons of awesome-ness

Instead of spending a ton of money on a boring square pillow form, I got an awesome oblong DOWN pillow at Ross for 8 bucks. YEAH!
I learned to install an invisible zipper. So cool
The colors just make me squeal with happiness on the inside (and sometimes outside...)
It is the FIRST completed project for my master bedroom re-do....
ruffles make me happy
I just love it, a lot.

Take a look my inspiration!!
Pinterest, of course...


via

I followed the link to this lady's etsy and she is selling some of these pillows for $74!! so over priced. SOOOO over priced!


via

These are my colors for my slowly developing master bedroom. I'm in love with this pallet. Gotta love design-seeds.com!

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for....

The pillow!

I plan for it to be the sort of center piece of our bed, if that makes any sense...

YAY!!!

A piece of growing up

2012-06-12T20:18:00.002-07:00

Photoed above is the tail end of a dinner gathering at the Brown's! Jared and Morgan are so sweet and make for some awesome friends.

Again, this picture was taken a few weeks ago but I wanted to share the love.

I've known the Brown family for let's see.... as long as I can remember! Back when we were a little younger, on Sunday nights the entire Brown family used to walk down to the Taylor's house for chatting, movies and sometimes even treats.

Being that this dinner happened on a Sunday night, those lovely fun memories came rushing in. I felt home sick in my heart for Washington and having my siblings close again. But it was quickly eased by the feeling of home we have with the Browns! So so soooooo happy to have good friends out here in Rexburg!

Morgan and Jared are SOOO good with my kiddos. They are going to be awesome parents (!!!!)

The Sugar Beard

2012-06-12T19:47:00.002-07:00

These pictures were taken a few weeks back when Ray had an AwesomeFun play date at his friend, Liam's house. Wendy stayed home to nap.

The boys were being a bit too quiet upstairs.

Jessica and I went to investigate...

Liam's face CRACKS me up. He totally knows he's in trouble. A veteran "sugar stealer" for sure.

They were taking HAND FULLS. Forget the spoon!


Hiding behind the sofa while I was trying to get Ray's shoes on.

Cute kids.

#21 Read 24 Books

2012-06-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is where I keep a record of the books I've read, as part of my 24 Before 25 challenge.

And I am setting myself only one rule...

All new books! Nothing I've read before

Bruiser- Neal Shusterman
Heist Society- Ally Carter
The Fault in Our Stars- John Green
I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have To Kill You- Ally Carter
Mara's Stories: Glimmers in the Darkness- Gary Schmidt
Monster- Walter Dean Meyers
Speak- Laurie Halse Anderson
Uncommon Criminals- Ally Carter
When We Were Saints- Han Nolan
The Giver- Lois Lowry
Tuesdays With Morrie- Mitch Albom
Unwind- Neal Shusterman
Tenderness- Robert Cormier
Lucky- Alice Sebold
American Assassin- Vince Flynn
Mockingbird- Kathryn Erskine
The Maze Runner- James Dashner
Elsewhere- Gabrielle Zevin