Super Starks

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T16:56:00.001-07:00

An angel, a witch, a monkey and a skeleton pirate! We've had a super fun halloween this year! We went to trunk or treat last night and the kids also wore their costumes to school. I can't wait til the candy is gone because I'm a total sucker for those mini candy bars.

Two Birthday Boys!

2010-10-31T16:39:00.000-07:00

Brayden turned 8 years old in September. He's now in 2nd grade and is a great student. He still loves playing with legos and also loves reading books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Captain Underpants and Big Nate. Of course, video and computer games are a huge love of his as well. He's currently breathing down my neck, waiting for his turn on the computer.

Bridger turned 2 in October! He's such a big boy but he's still our baby through and through. The whole family has so much fun playing with him and watching him grow. He's in the copycat stage so we really have to watch what we say when he's around. He is truly such a joy to our family! I love that Ella and Brayden get to enjoy him as much as Ben and I do.

A Spectacular View

2010-10-31T16:22:00.000-07:00

Every time we have company in town we always make a trip to the Grand Canyon. It's only an hour away from our house and it's a fun way to spend the day. This trip was pretty wild. I wasn't sure if all the kids would make it back out of the Grand Canyon alive. 5 year olds and younger don't seem to understand the dangers involved with extreme heights. My wild nephews were running around playing push and shove with each other right near the rim of the canyon. Through a lot of tears from old and young alike, we all made it back to the car safely. Don't you love when you have to yell at your kids, "smile and act like you're having fun! This is for the scrapbook! Have FUN!" Well, I guess they're interpretation of fun doesn't always match ours.

Brayden's Baptism

2010-10-31T15:33:00.000-07:00

We felt so loved on Brayden's baptism day. So many of our family were able to come out for his special day. It was a little crowded at times, but mostly the house was filled with kids and all the noises they bring with them. When we asked Brayden how he felt, he responded, "wet and warm." Brayden is such a bright and kind child. He is an absolute delight and I love everything about him!

It's a Sad Sad Blog!

2010-10-31T15:25:00.000-07:00

Just in case anyone is checking, the reason why I never update my blog is because it's such a sad site to see. I've really tried to make it cute, but every time I add something to the blog it seems to make it worse. So I threw my hands up in the air and walked away from it. Today at church, we were counseled to use media to spread the gospel through our own experiences. So here we go again. I will update as much as I can and someday I hope to turn my sad blog into a happy one that everyone enjoys visiting!

Christmastime!

2010-01-14T13:03:00.001-08:00

My wonderful parents came to visit us in early December. We went to see the lights at Los Abrigados in Sedona. It was a nice cold walk but a lot of fun.
Such a cute bundled up baby!
I love the scarves with a cactus in the background. It really does get chilly in northern arizona!
My pretty little snow princess. She likes to spend 10 minutes getting bundled up to play in the snow for five minutes and then come inside asking for hot cocoa. Repeatedly throughout the day. We've already had 3 snow days this year with cancelled school.
A little picture of Christmas in our home. I'm not huge on decorating because we're still renters and all decorations need to be up high and unbreakable. So for now, we decorate with stockings, a tree and a wreath.

Thanksgiving in Oregon

2010-01-14T12:52:00.000-08:00

My in-laws have a loft where all the kids like to play. This beautiful yellow ladder is the only way up to the loft so Bridger was trying to make his way up there. Maybe next year.
All these wild turkeys (about 30) and deer were roaming the Stark's yard on Thanksgiving morning. We were about to put one on the dinner table but Dad insisted they were his pets not his dinner. Pretty brave poultry if you ask me.
Everyone jumped at the chance for a family walk. It was a great day and a nice time to get out of the cramped house.
"yeah, baby!" is Christer's signature saying. He has been struggling with cancer for quite some time and his body is starting to lose the battle. All his kids made an effort to come together this Thanksgiving to be with him. Luckily, he's still holding on and wanting to get out of the hospital and back home to continue living. We love you, Christer!

Family Photo Shoot

2010-01-14T10:49:00.001-08:00

Ben and I have been married eleven years now. We have lived in 11 different homes in 4 different states, completed 12 years of college, have 3 great kids, have 1 dog who now lives with grandma, have a lot of debt and still have a lot of fun being together!
Bridger's puppy, "baby jose" was in a lot our photos because Bridger's nap was interrupted for our photo shoot. He is a big part of our family, especially at bedtime.

Ben and I are always smiling it the family shots, but the kids never are. Why is it so hard to get them all to smile at the same time? We promised ice cream and the dollar store!
I love this picture of Bridger because it shows his red hair, blue eyes, button nose and adorable personality!
Ella was being difficult today because she wanted all the pictures to be about her! We had to promise to let her be in her own pictures in her choice of pose in order to get her to cooperate for the family photos. I'm sure this is a sign of times to come. She also wears snow boots year round!
Brayden is growing up into such a handsome young guy. He is so kind and sweet and sensitive. Today, he decided to bring 2 of his brand new lego guys to our photo shoot. Of course, they were lost in the leaf-covered mountainside within the first 20 minutes. He was pretty upset that we wouldn't spend the whole day trying to find them.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T17:27:00.000-08:00

A Gypsy (not a pirate!), a skeleton, a paintball player, Tinkerbell and an Alien. We had a super fun Halloween and now that it is officially nov. 1, Brayden is already talking about next Halloween! The candy is far from gone and he just can't wait to do it all over again. We went to a friend's house for a party. Then went trick or treating while Ben participated in a haunted house. He changed costumes and was a zombie that scared many and even made one little boy cry. Way to go, Ben!
Bobbing for apples was a little too easy with the stems on the apples. But still fun.
The kids painted trick or treat bags and pumpkins. Ella is such an artist. She spends hours every day at our kitchen table coloring with crayons, pens and markers. She also loves puzzles and anything hands on. I'm so glad she found a creative outlet for her busy hands!
We visited a local pumpkin patch with some friends, which is mostly fun for the picture opportunities.

Happy Birthday Bridger!

2009-11-01T17:18:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it happened; my baby had his first birthday. Of course, the year went by fast, but the saddest part is that he doesn't want to be held and cuddled anymore. He squirms out of my arms and crawls straight into trouble. He's more of a wandering baby then a following one. When it's just me and him at home, he often crawls around the house looking for entertainment. But all around, he's a great baby and and a great joy to our family.

Gma and Gpa Caldwell sent Bridger this fun toy for his birthday. He HATES sitting on it! He was trembling and clinging to me when I pulled him off the toy. He was completely terrified. But he loves to push it around and use it as a walker. It's a love/hate relationship.

Florida and Disney World

2009-08-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

We spent two days at Magic Kingdom. We had a good system figured out with rider swap passes for those with babies and fast passes. The few times we did wait in line, we regretted it.
Surprisingly, Bridger was able to do a lot of rides and shows with us. The first day everything we went on, he came with us. The second day we rode on roller coasters and he chilled in his stroller with whoever was waiting for the next ride.

Poor Bridger was a pool of sweat as he fell asleep in the bjorn. At least he got a good nap.
Ella totally crashed after our day at the beach. She was screaming and kicking before we got her strapped into the car. Luckily, she also had a good nap.
Brayden loves his cousins so much! He keeps asking about when we'll see them again and wants to know exactly how many more days it will be until he is reunited with his buds.

I know it sounds like fun but it was so hot! We were sweating the whole time and bordering fun and misery. The kids just remember the rides and the shows and being with their cousins. I'm thinking that a vacation in Florida every 6 years will be perfect for me.

Slide Rock

2009-08-21T22:03:00.001-07:00

We have a beautiful state park right down the road from us: Slide Rock. It's a river play area with a natural water slide down slick rock with a real chute that pushes you along. It's hard to explain but the kids love it! You can also jump off some not-too-high cliffs into deep water that Ella loves to do with her dad! Me and Bridger sit in a puddle of cold water off to the side and pray that no one gets hurt.

4th of July

2009-08-21T21:55:00.001-07:00

Although 4th of July pictures are usually my favorite, I didn't get very many shots this year. Ben and the kids were in the parade passing out flags to everyone. We then had lunch with friends and a quiet evening at home. I am now 31 and trying to embrace the 30's. I did as much as I could in my 20's so I can't look back at my youth. The scary part is that 40 is now in my future. Yikes!

Ella is a Flower Girl!

2009-08-21T21:44:00.000-07:00

My niece, Alisa, got married this summer. This was the original reason for our visit to the northwest. Ella was a flower girl and played her part well. The wedding was at Lake Quinault, WA and it was beautiful! We stayed at a lake house and had such a great time. I can't wait to go back there for a family vacation.

Thomas The Train

2009-08-21T21:29:00.000-07:00

I am now trying to catch our blog up on our summer fun. These are pictures from our day with Thomas the Train. We got to go with some friends to ride the train and have lots of fun with all the activities provided.

Playing at Home

2009-05-04T18:15:00.001-07:00

We love living in a cul-de-sac with plenty of room to run around and play outside. It seems like yesterday when our playground was the parking lot of our apartment.

Grand Canyon

2009-05-04T18:08:00.001-07:00

Did you know that we live only one hour away from the Grand Canyon? That's a great reason for you to come visit us! Or if you need to visit a dentist. Ben's sister came out to visit to get some dental work done so we took a day trip to the canyon. It was a lot of fun!

Bridger's Photo Shoot

2009-05-04T17:29:00.000-07:00

We had Bridger's pictures taken in Utah when I went to visit Sherry and her new baby girl. I thought the pictures turned out great. Caroline-Rebecca.blogspot if you want to see my new niece, Tessa.

2009-02-22T21:26:00.001-08:00

Sunday Photos

2009-02-22T21:08:00.000-08:00

Hot off the press, folks! We finally figured out that our new camera takes even better pictures with the correct lens. So here are the latest and greatest shots of us! Our little boy looks all grown up. But don't worry, he still acts like a 6 year old. He's a sweet boy with a sensitive heart. He still loves legos but his new joy is the Wii. Especially when his daddy will play with him.

Ben doesn't have three ears. The third ear belongs to Brayden who couldn't sit still.

I can often be found smooching Bridger's chubby cheeks. I love his chub! He tolerates the kisses.

Pretty little Ella is wearing one of my Christmas gifts. Ben had this scarf and hat made for me and they look so beautiful on Ella. She is such a fashionista!

25 More Random Things About ME!

2009-02-18T17:24:00.000-08:00

On my facebook account I was tagged and made a 25 random list about me. Since then I've had more random thoughts running through my head. So, at the chance of sounding like a narcissist, I'm making another list for my blogging friends. If you're reading this, consider yourself tagged.

1. I like candied nuts, but I don't like nuts in my candy or ice cream or brownies or cookies. Or fudge.

2. I used to bite my toe nails when I was little and now Ella bites hers.

3. I won the school spelling bee in the 5th grade and am still an excellent speller. (although I'm not sure I spelled narcissist right.)

4. My most recurring dream/nightmare is that my high school drill team, Davis D'ettes, is getting together for a reunion performance and I don't have my costume and I don't know the dance. I have this dream a lot.

5. I drive a white chevy venture minivan and I love it.

6. I have to wash my hair every day or it looks gross.

7. I used to think that if I didn't have makeup on people wouldn't recognize me.

8. I never leave the house without mascara on. Or pants.

9. I just watched the movie Ghost Town and loved it.

10. Tonight I am making chocolate dipped strawberries for dessert.

11. The worst part of my day is when I have to wipe a poopy bottom.

12. The best part of my day is when my children randomly give me a hug and an I love you.

13. When Ben and I met, it was Love at First Sight.

14. We own a dog, but she lives with my parents. Hi Minnie.

15. In April 2010, Ben and I are going to Hawaii to celebrate our 11 1/4 anniversary.

16. I hate wearing belts, but it's so much better than showing crack. Am I right?

17. I went to 3 colleges to get my undergrad and 1 more to get my masters.

18. I dont' mind doing laundry, but I hate putting it away.

19. I am still amazed by modern technology such as the telephone and computer. I understand the concept, but they still baffle me. I feel like a miracle has been performed after every phone call.

20. I am not a morning person. I am not nice until 9 a.m.

21. I am also not a night person. I need to be in bed by 10 p.m.

22. I love to snow ski, but haven't in years.

23. I love my ipod music and can often be found dancing around my house 20 minutes after my workout.

24. Flagstaff has a purina dog food factory and sometimes the whole town reeks like dog food and I want to puke.

25. I was born with red hair, thus the red-headed baby.

Too chubby for pants and socks

2009-02-18T17:04:00.001-08:00

These are my little guy's fabulously chubby legs and cankles. He is too chubby for pants. I swear the waistband is so uncomfortable for my chubby guy so he is usually sportin' it in a onesie. One piece jammies are good too, but he keeps growing out of everything I buy for him. He's now in 12 month size and he's only 4 months. Isn't he precious?
Bridger got a jumperoo for his 4 month birthday. He likes it in the mornings for about 20 minutes. But that gives me enough time to do the dishes or eat breakfast without him on my lap.
We tried rice cereal a few weeks ago. He threw it all up and then got sick. I think he was already getting sick and that's why he threw up his cereal. We now have a high chair for him so we'll have to try again soon.

Hush, Little Baby

2009-02-18T16:58:00.000-08:00

There is something so irresistible about a sleeping baby. When I see Bridger all sprawled out or tucked in for a nap, I can't help but take a picture. His innocence just melts my heart. I love this baby so much!

Ella Turns 5!

2009-02-18T16:46:00.000-08:00

We had family in town for Ella's birthday. My parents and my brother and his family. It was a good thing we had cousins to help Ella celebrate, cause we don't have any friends yet. I also took Ella to a nail salon to get her nails done. She just got polish on her fingernails and toenails. I had a pedicure with Bridger on my lap. Ella bit off her nail polish before we got home. Now, I've got some damn infection growing under my big toe. I'm so mad and I've been limping around for days. I'll probably have to see a dr. yomorrow.

My mom helped me make this cake that Ella wanted. Actually, I ruined the cake and mom saved it and decorated it beautifully. It would have cost $55 to but it and was half that to make it. Thanks mom!

Ice Skating and Temple Square

2009-01-03T12:54:00.000-08:00

my kids currently love the barbie movies. one of the movies has ice skating scenes so i thought it would be fun to take the kids ice skating. as soon as we got on the ice and brayden said it was too slippery to skate, i thought i'd made a big mistake. but we persevered, even though it took us 20 minutes to go around the rink one time. i didn't take into account the fact that I'm not a good ice skater either. but we took lots of breaks and they eventually got the hang of it. they rarely let go of the wall, but they didn't want to stop when it was time to go.

My parents and I took the kids to see the lights at Temple Square. We got there really late and it was cold, but fun. Unfortunately, the visitors center was closing so we weren't able to go and see the "Jesus Statue." brayden was so upset hestarted sobbing. so the next morning we had to make a second trip to temple square.

Christmas in Utah

2009-01-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

obviously, i don't know how to rotate a photo. can someone help me? bridger's blessing was a success. all my siblings and both mr grandmas came and, of course, mom and dad. bridger was quiet and asleep during the blessing. whenever i'm typing in all lowercase, it's because i've got a baby on my lap.

ben and i met heather and dan wiest at the roof in slc. ben and i were celebrating our 10th anniversary. and bridger came too. this is the tree at the joseph smith memorial building.

santa claus always makes a personal visit at our home on christmas eve. we're closely related.

christmas was a lot of fun, but i think next year we'll stay home to unwrap presents and go to utah the next day. it's too much work packing all the presents and then many of the small pieces get left behind when we go home. i wish we could have seen more of you this year. maybe next year we'll be able to get out more often.

Look Who's Smiling!

2008-12-16T20:56:00.001-08:00

I love Bridger's smile! He only smiles a couple of times a day, but I love it when he does. He loves looking at lights and I think that's why he's smiling here. He is such a big boy--you should see his chunky thighs.

This is our new home in Flagstaff. The snow has been falling hard and the kids have been having fun building snowmen. We love our new home, it is a rental though. We're a little commitment shy since our home purchase in New Mexico went so badly. So we're happy renters, especially with 4 bedrooms and a lot of room to play. We had a deer in our yard a couple of days ago. The kids thought it looked like one of Santa's reindeer. They walked outside to try and "catch" it, but he ran up into the mountains. Now that you've seen this picture, you know that some parts of Arizona are cold! There are mountains in Arizona and there is snow. I didn't know this a year ago, but I'm living in it now. It's a nice touch of home for me and the kids are loving it.

Baby Bridger

2008-12-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

Bridger is our sweet little redhead. Everyone who sees him loves his hair! We were at a restaurant the other night and all the waitresses were gathered around swooning at him. They said he should be in a commercial. I think if we lived in Hollywood, this kid would have a career. Will his hair stay red or will it all fall out by his first birthday?

Is this picture a little creepy? I like it better in black & white.

So, what are we up to? Ben just bought a dental practice in Flagstaff, AZ. He's working there full time and commuting from Payson for this week. We'll be making "the move" on Saturday. We found a beautiful rental home. It's a 4 bedroom, brand new construction and it's got room fot us to spread out. I'll be home schooling our kids until after the Christmas break. We all want to get settled in before starting a new school. I hope it's a good school and ward. Those two things can make or break where you live.

Family Photos

2008-12-02T09:25:00.000-08:00

We had our pictures taken recently so here's a sneak peek at our photo shoot. Yes, the one with the pillow and fake star background is totally cheesy. You get what you pay for at sears, right?

Here We Go Again!

2008-12-02T09:21:00.000-08:00

I want to be an official blogger. I've had several requests that I become a blogger and I've even had a couple of demands that I become a blogger. Why is it so difficult for me to join the blogging world? I'll start simple and advance as I continue. I love all of your blogs so thanks for inspiring me.