Farewell old blog

Well, I have come to a big decision about my little neglected blog. As a Christmas gift to myself and to my family, I am finally going to be having ALL of it published into books. That would be almost 1,000 entries, over the last 8 years!

Putting it off all of these years is going to cost me a pretty penny but I think it will be well worth every cent. I know how much my boys adore going through all of the old photo books that I have make for my Grandma each Christmas and how they love reminiscing about the trips we've taken and adventures we've been on together.

And because no one really reads my blog anymore anyways.....I've decided to make it private. For me alone. I've noticed that there have been times that I have wanted to record something but its too personal and I don't know who is looking. This is my only journal and I want it to be a place of honesty where I can record things that are important to me. I will continue to document my family but just for the Nathan and Staci Starnes Family.

I pride myself on being a very open person but lately I've been feeling the urge to keep things to myself and I'm feeling the need to record the things that are a little closer to my heart....things I don't really want the whole internet blogosphere to know about. Nothing monumental is going on here or anything.....just feeling the importance of recording things for my kids and feeling like they have no say on what I put out there has been kind of weighing on my mind.

It's been a fun adventure and the party will go on.......so follow me on instagram or facebook or pick up the phone or write me a letter or just come to my house. Haha. A very heartfelt goodbye to you all!

Grid Kid Champions

I was warned that when my son started playing tackle football that it would most likely become my favorite sport. Whoever said this was absolutely and positively right. The Sandcreek East team which is comprised of all students from Parker's elementary school was an absolute treat to watch this year. The cheerleader in me could not be contained. We won every regular season game, we won the semi final game and last night we won in OVERTIME to Skyline in the 4th grade championship game.... 20-19. The game was so stressful, so fun, and the boys stepped up and played their hearts out. Grandma and Grandpa Starnes, Kelsey and Logan came to support Parker. What a great game for them to come and witness in person. I could hardly sleep last night because of all the adrenaline pumping through my body. 

Nate dedicated so much time to the team as well as the defensive coach. It was fun to see him put his heart and soul into this team. It was an experience that Parker will remember his entire life. I loved, no I LOVED it. Go Knights! I can hardly wait until next year....and MAN, will we have a huge target on our backs! That is FOR SURE!!! 

U pick Red Barn

This week we have been going a million different directions. I really wanted to take my kids to the pumpkin patch before it gets cold or before all of the pumpkins were picked over. We were able to jet over there yesterday because it was half day. We had so much fun. I love my crew.

St. George

The first weekend in October we headed down south to find a few more summer days. I stopped and picked up EE and Ash and the girls on our way! We had tons of fun exploring Grafton Ghost Town, driving through Zions (there were zillions of people there). We played at the park and swam in the pool.  We ate yummy food and basked in the St. George sunshine. Ash left on Friday to head to her cabin but EE and I stayed for two more days. I took Landon on a date to Tuacahn and we we watched the Wizard of Oz. They do such a great job down there. 

 It was so nice to play but it was also good I was there because Grandpa Whitaker had a heart attack while I was there and I was able to be right there to support him until everyone else got there. We sure love him and aren't ready to let him go quite yet. He is an amazing Grandpa and I'm so happy that he is doing much better now.

 It was a great getaway and even though we had a blast....I realized how much my older boys help me out! We sure missed them. Parks has been so busy with football and Dallin and Nate were able to go to the Priesthood Session of Conference together. 

A little tender mercy

Haven't had a heart to heart with the old blog in quite awhile. Most posts lately have been a catch up spewing of what is going on in life. Honestly there just aren't enough hours in the day anymore. I recall a time where all throughout a day I would look for little stories or things to share on my blog. I'd be happy to record that one little thing and would always find the time to do it. I guess it was more of a priority and was always at the forefront of my mind. I've said it before but lately every day just feels like I'm swimming up the current and trying to check the things off the everlasting checklist. Between my calling, cleaning, cooking, yard work, the boys after school sports, piano, scouts, keeping 2 babies alive, trying to be a good wife and mom, there is very little "Staci" time anymore. I'm not complaining....its just the stage of life we're in. It's wonderful, and exhausting in the same breath.

Sometimes I feel that as I go through the motions of life that I am unnoticed. I am giving and giving at 100% all day long and sometimes the day passes by without a thanks, without acknowledgement. I don't do these things that I do for praise or attention.....I do them because I know that it is through these small and simple tasks that we will learn to become more like our Heavenly Father. When we serve those around us we are serving God. I'm not going to lie, there are times where I demand some appreciation from my family members. I will tell Nate that I need some verbal praise or I may just explode. Gratitude is important to me. I try to give it as often as possible but sometimes I need a little bit to keep my batteries charged.

This morning was a really good morning though. I woke up at 4:45am to take my Young Women to do baptisms for the dead at the temple. As I was hurrying to get out the door I noticed that I had received a message from a good friend of mine at approximately 12;30am a few hours previous. My eyes filled with tears as I read the words:


I am messaging you on FB because it's midnight and I didn't think you would appreciate a text right in the middle of your Hugh Jackman love dream! I am mad because I can't sleep because I just realized I never got you anything for your birthday and we never went out to celebrate!!! I am a bad friend!! So, this gift will have to do for now, until I can get you something. I think you are the best mom ever!! You are so fun with your kids! You always make sure they have fun and learning experiences. I see you work hard to teach them to work hard. You love your family and it shows!! You truly care about others and you are always looking for ways to serve them! I know I can count on you to make me laugh or help me anytime. I appreciate the love you have for my family! I was so grateful for the candy poster you made for K when he graduated. He is often over looked by his family and they didn't even recognize him for his hard work. But you did! You went out of your way to make him feel special! Thank you for always including me in your adventures! I am so grateful for your friendship! You inspire me to be a better mother, wife and friend! I think about you daily, and I am always here if you ever need me for anything!! I hope you have a fabulous weekend with Nate! You deserve it! I sure love you Staci! Now you can go back to your sexy dreams..... Tell Hugh hello for me!




And there it was. A little tender mercy....the little boost I needed. I don't know why my friend decided that right then she was going to text me but oh, how I needed it. A great reminder that I need to do that for others when I feel prompted to. Especially to the women and mothers around me who serve so thanklessly. It is HARD doing this job but there is nothing else on earth I would rather do....even when a bad day comes a long more frequently then I would like.

Just a few thoughts today.

My piano makeover

For YEARS now I have wanted to paint our old orange-ish piano. We bought it years ago, for a good deal. It's not an heirloom, has no significant meaning to anyone and is just not jiving with the colors I have going on in my home. After hours of youtube videos and online tutorials I decided to just take the plunge and go for it.

I am SO happy I did. It looks a million ca-gillion times better! Wish I had done it ages ago!

Before:

And the after:

I spent about $60 on chalk paint and supplies. I need to finish it by waxing it but I had to order another can of paint online since they ran out in the store to do some final touch ups. It looks so happy and cute.

Happy dance, oh yeah.

Family fun

Last weekend was great as we had family come to celebrate Dallin's big ordination. We had fun taking the fam to the boy's football games, hitting the Parade of Homes, taking them up to Rigby for some famous Stoplight Pizza, and playing at the Dunes. We had a great time and once everyone left I was feeling really homesick for family.  I usually hold up pretty well over here alone but having a little taste of family make me homesick for all of the support. The boys absolutely loved having everyone here. I wish it could happen more often.  Parker and Landon both had great games. And thank heavens the weather was perfection. Fun fun times. 

 My little convo with Bryan:
Me: "Hey Bryan, are you excited to go home?"
B: "Yeah, I need to get back to my Batman."
"And I can't be your boy because my mom likes me too much."
Cutie.

Happy 12th Dallin

Happy 12 years to my sweet oldest son! This weekend was one full of cherished memories as Dallin was ordained a Deacon in the priesthood. Nat, Robby, and her kids came, along with Uncle Jason, and both sets of Grandparents.
My baby is turning into a Young Man before my eyes. It feels like the years are moving more quickly as each one passes. I'm so blessed to have you in my life Dallin. You are a special boy who has always done things your own way. You are so driven and obedient. You are helpful, SO helpful to me. I honestly couldn't do everything it takes to run this family without you as my right hand man. You looked so handsome in your new suit this past Sunday and it was very special seeing all of the men who love and support you administer this sacred gift that you can use to help bless the lives of others. You are so talented and kind. I'm thankful for the things that you have taught me throughout your life. I'm excited to continue to stand back and watch you achieve your goals and dreams. I wish I could protect you and spare you from some of the evil things of this world but I know you are a kind hearted and sensitive boy who knows where to find peace and knows what matters most in this life. You have a sweet and simple testimony that will help you and will continue to strengthen and grow throughout the years. I love you my biggest boy. Its a blessing and privilege to be your mom.

Sun Valley

This past weekend was so amazing. Nate had his annual Conference in Sun Valley and I wanted to go so badly. I asked everyone I could possibly think of in my life who might be able to come and watch my kids and no one could....or wanted to I should say.

I decided that it just wasn't going to work this year and figured I'd just get some things done around the house while Nate went without me. Then, like an angel sent from heaven my friend Jessi offered to help me out. I honestly cried when she told me that she would LOVE to watch my kids and that she would be THRILLED and EXCITED to have the OPPORTUNITY to do so. Seriously, who says that!??

Alone time with my husband hasn't happened in 3 whole years. We've make things work dragging  a baby with us and leaving the boys but being ALONE....nope, its been awhile.  I hurried and got ready to go. Nails done, eyebrows done, new dress, jewelry, and more.

The whole weekend was marvelous. Fancy meals, great company, beautiful surroundings and some time to just focus on being a WIFE and not a MOM for a few days. Adult conversation and a time to reflect on how blessed we have been over this last year. It was so scary last year trying to decide if Nate should start his own law firm. It was 100% the right decision. It was the best thing to ever happen to us. And when I ran into Nate's former employer from Boise.....I let him know that. And I let him know that I forgave him for the hell he put me and my family through. It was a great moment. Seriously.....it was awesome.

I love that we had this special time together but I also love that both us us were so antsy to get back to our kiddos. I'm so thankful to Jessi for helping us out. A cherished few days and a much needed recharge for sure.