{KelSee EdYth StArR}

{I Love To See the Temple}

 

THIS IS THE PLACE!

 

We had so much fun at, This is the Place Park. We had never been there before, so this was a new experience for us. It was a lot of fun for Kelsee and Luke. And what made it even better was that we enjoyed this time with our cousins and Grandma.

SPRUCES with CATENZARO'S

 

{CaRmeL}

So to celebrate our final week-end of the summer, we decided to have a camp out in our backyard. This adventure included putting up the tent, roasting marshmallows and reading the story of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon. After bringing out all of our bedding and getting settled in the tent, we realized that having Doc (our dog) back there might be a little tricky. We had to watch him carefully to make sure that he did not find something to play with that was not intended to be a toy for him. Other then a small hole in a sleeping bag, we fared pretty well.
We woke up early the next morning to get ready for a primary activity. While we were at the activity, Luke was hard at work in the backyard. He was attempting to replace some old cement. As he was working, Doc got into the tent and found Kelsee's little teddy bear Carmel. Before Luke had a chance to stop Doc, he had managed to rip Carmel's head off and tear him half apart. Carmel was headless and very, very dirty when Luke discovered him. Luke called me on the phone to tell me the bad news and to give me time to prepare for the conversation that I would need to have with Kelsee. I quickly informed him that he needed to have the conversation with her because he was witness to the event.
Carmel was Kelsee's forever friend. She received Carmel from Grandma and Grandpa Catenzaro when she was an infant. She has carried Carmel around her entire life. Picture after picture captured their love and adventures. Carmel was in Kelsee's backpack the first day of Kindergarten, he brought comfort during visits to the doctor, he has come on every vacation and even trips to the grocery store. Carmel was dearly loved!
After arriving home from the activity, Kelsee immediately started looking for Carmel. I tried to distract her hoping Luke would make it home soon from his errand, but she continued looking for her favorite stuffed animal friend. Finally, she asked me to join the search. I then realized that I was going to be the 'bearer' of bad news. As I started to tell her, tears filled her eyes. As the story continued, she buried her head in my chest and sobbed. I could not be strong any longer and I too began to weep. We talked about her sadness and finally about how important it was to forgive Doc. At the end of our conversation, Daddy came home and retrieved Carmel from the garbage. The sight of poor Carmel made it a reality and we realized that we would need to move on without him. Daddy promised a new stuffed animal and the day proceeded smoothly. I went off to work Saturday evening and arrived back home late Saturday night to a quiet house and sleeping children.
I awoke this morning to Kelsee saying, "Carmel is BACK!" She ran into my room and pounced on my bed holding Carmel in her hands. I was so surprised and encouraged her to go find Daddy! Luke was getting ready to leave to a farewell, and Kelsee ran downstairs and thanked her Daddy with lots of hugs and kisses. Then she ran back up to her room and told all her other stuffed animals that Carmel was back. I laid there in my bed thinking of my sweet husband staying up half the night cleaning and restitching Carmel and then quietly tucking him safely under his sleeping daughter's arm. Apparently hearing his daughter cry herself to sleep was too much for him to 'bear'. Who knew that it would be possible to wash, stuff and stitch up Carmel again? The thought never crossed my mind. Carmel was too torn and broken! I like to envision my sweet husband washing Carmel, stuffing him and then sewing him up ever so carefully. HE looked as good as new. I realized at that moment as I laid in bed that my daughter will never forget her Daddy for that amazing act of love. No matter where Kelsee goes, or what choices she makes she will always know that her Daddy loves her and will always be there to wipe away her tears and mend her broken heart.
As I have pondered this experience today, I have thought a lot about my Savior. I have ran through the events leading up to the Savior's death and resurrection. I have pondered on the suffering and sorrow that He experienced in His short ministry. And I have marveled at his love for me that He willingly provided a way for my torn and broken heart to be healed. Providing a way for ME to be whole again, no matter how broken I am. I will be eternally grateful for his selfless act, and for a husband who is always trying to be like Him.

My Two Lukes

I am blessed to have two Luke's in my life. Both that bring me true joy, many smiles, and help me keep an eternal perspective. I know that Heavenly Father has blessed me to be near some of the most noble spirits. These are two of them. I never want to forget their kind words. Their willingness to serve with pure intent. I don't want to forget how their hugs make me feel safe and warm. Nor do I want to forget their ability to make a rainy day bright. They make me laugh when I am sad, and cry when I am happy. They have taught me so many life lessons that I could not have learned any other way. When we thought of names for both our children, I wanted to choose people whose example and lives would be a guide for our children to follow. As I watch Lil Luke follow in his Dad's footsteps, it makes me smile. I hope that someday he will know how blessed he is to have such an amazing dad. I know how blessed I am to have a husband that is my best friend. And grateful to have a son who makes me want to be the "Best Mom in the Universe." I am definatley their number one biggest fan. And will be for Eternity!

{Red Butte Gardens}

Luke's Pre-school went on a fieldtrip to this amazing garden. It was his first experience of this sort. His first bus ride,and he loved it!





The morning was cool, but we did not let that get in the way. We enjoyed all the beautiful flowers and landscaping. It was an adventure trying to keep up with three high energy 5 year olds. There were times that I worried we might be going home minus one of them. There was an incident with one of Luke's friends who fell into a pond. Other then the minor hiccups, we had a great time and want to go again soon. I'm grateful that I get to be a Mom which affords me the opportunity to have such sweet experiences with my children.

{EASTER}

 

 

 

 

My Baby Boy

My baby boy is 5 years old if you can believe it. I still don't believe it! I try to convince myself that my children will stay little ones forever, but the size of their clothing indicates otherwise. At times I feel like weeping at the prospect of them "leaving the nest", but I am hopeful when I hold them that they will always be my babies. This year we had a Diego birthday party for Luke. He invited some of his friends and cousins and we had a great time. It was fun to celebrate his life and the joy he has brought into our home. Even though there are times now that I wonder where my sweet, obedient, cuddly child has gone, I am grateful to know that he is becoming the BIG boy that Heavenly Father intended him to be. I love being Luke's Mom! I count myself blessed that I get to watch him grow and progress. And even though my arms feel empty at times, I know this is all part of Heavenly Fathers plan.

TULIPS

Every year as Spring approaches, I look forward to one thing. TULIPS! I don't have a green thumb, but the one thing I have always had success with is our Tulips. Since we are in a new house this year I have a larger flower bed and we had a plethora of Tulips. I love the colors, the texture, and that they come up so early and give a break from the dull grey winter months. It's a tradition in our family to take picture in front of our Tulips each spring. Kelsee and Luke love posing with the tulips because it is the only time that I let them get close to them. I am grateful for all of Heavenly Fathers creations that I enjoy!

It's All About LoVe!!!

The other day one of my friends reminded me that Heavenly Father has given us the easy job. All He asks us to do is LoVe. He does not expect us to stand in judgement or preach, just LoVe. What a great reminder during this season. The scriptures are full of evidence of His love for us, and examples of how to follow. Let us remember it's all about LoVe! True LoVe!

The Starr 2010 Calendar

 

I love creating our family calendar each year. Here is the finished project!

Let it Snow!!

 

Our ChRiStmAs tReE

Since Luke and I have been married, we have purchased one ornament for our Christmas Tree each year. So although we have been married for almost 10 years now, you can imagine our tree looking pretty empty. This year along with Kelsee and lil' Luke picking their one ornament, I bought some background fillers to give it some color. I thought it looked absolutly lovely! HaHa! Ok, so it was my best attempt yet. I think it was the first year the Linge family (Traci) would be kinda proud to call me friend. As a family we had a wonderful time decorating and preparing for Christmas. To place the beautiful nativity's on display makes the evening feel complete. Really what is Christmas with out the baby Jesus?! The lights, colors and sounds all reminders of that peaceful silent night when the Savior was born. I love Christmas.

The LiGhTs on Temple Square

Yearly, our family bundles up and braves the weather to go and see the lights on Temple Square. It is one of my favorite parts of this holiday season. Breath taking is the only word I can use to describe this experience. I love being near the Temple and feeling the spirit of this Holy building.I know that because of the Savior and the Temple, our family will be together forever.

{Halloween Traditions}

With the Halloween Season approaching, we took a moment to put together this fun Jib Jab. The characters are Eliza, Hunter and Ethan Jefferies and Kelsee and little Luke. We thought this only fitting because during this time of year our families have so many traditions together. Halloween Parties, pumpkin patches, and the Witches at Gardner Village to name a few. We will miss them this season, but they will be with us in our hearts. Meanwhile, we will think of them often!

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

{Dr. JoNeS}

SuMmEr FuN

SumMer FuN

This summer has been {CrAZy} to say the least! In the last 3 months my world really has changed dramatically. It all started when my dearest friend moved to Washington. Then I started a new job, packing up my life and moved my family in with Mom and Dad while waiting to finish our house,planned a Stake YW Camp, and then both my children start school. I have felt sad and lonely at times, but also joyful and peaceful. During all the craziness, we have had a lot of FuN this summer. We went to Lagoon, camped at the Spruces, played with friends and family and purchased a little puppy. We have had a great summer and I am sad that it is over. But as I look back over the passed few months I realize that there have been ups and downs, but we have welcomed them all (sometimes reluctantly) and done our best to rise to the occasion. I have said before that when we are mindful of the Lord, He is mindful of us. I know that to be true and know that His arms are always reaching out to help lift us amidst all the change. God is in Charge!