Up In Idaho

We are up in snowy Idaho enjoying Christmas with the Startin's. The temple here in Rexburg is amazing!
I am actually loving the snow. We went to a dinosaur museum and as we were leaving we looked outside to see the craziest blizzard I'd ever seen. It's kinda exciting. So far we've played a ton of ping pong, gone to a Christmas party with all of Cody's friends and their wives, gone shopping and eaten like piggies. I'm excited for Christmas and can't wait to hear about all of your fun times.

Ballerina Boy

I've enjoyed reading all of your blogs, it seems that you are all finding ways to get into the Christmas Spirit. This time of year is so fun!!!

Things that we've enjoyed are...
Making chocolate caramel pretzels for neighbors
Going and Delivering Goodies
Listening to Christmas Music
Swimming in Parent's Jacuzzi
Going to Huish's Christmas Party
Working on my Photography Projects
Going Shopping (Tyra, I love shopping with you)
BUNCO!!!
Doing various Service Projects
and my favorite... Snuggling in the morning with Gage and Cody

We feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends.. thank you for the goodies, (my thighs thank you too)

We Are Thankful

We have so much to be grateful for...
We started off with a tennis tourney in the morning. I love that tennis is a sport that we can all do as couples. Big thanks to Lexi and Nicole for watching the kids. We continued on to Mom and Dad's and we're able to spend a fun-filled day stuffing our faces. Raquel went over the top on making the turkey, croissants, and all those pies. My Aunt Tanya and Jody brought their signature dishes and like always I was asked to bring the salad. We ate outside with amazing weather and then watched the kiddies have a ball in the jacuzzi.It's always a party when Ryan's Family is there!
Loves the Water!Raquel is going to make an awesome Mommy (She's having a GIRL)

Eating all FOUR desserts

Trying to Find Something Noteworthy

So I give up on some blogs if they aren't updated frequently and here I am slacking. So the last two weeks have been great. The month started off with Cassie's baby shower. It was a fun excuse to get together and pig out. Thanks to all who made it (Sorry for you that left before we snapped the picture). Next, our ward is now 3 hours (2.5 before) and we are moved to 2-5pm, Ouch! Oh, and Cody bought this deep fryer... uh oh... we have had homemade onion rings, french fries, chicken fingers, and are going to attempt donuts this week. I am now needing a fork lift to haul me around. If anyone is looking for some deep fried home cookin' ya better git yer tushy over here...we are fryin up a storm!!

We also enjoyed hanging out with the family at the parent's house. Some amazing steaks, Rocky's growing belly, fun nieces and nephew, beautiful weather.


So Gage has a best friend named Hudson Holebrook, Tyra and I love to watch as they lay on each other and chase each other around the house, It's hilarious to watch. I can see how having multiple kids helps to entertain each other.

Happy Halloween

Yay, I finally have something to blog about. I loved spending Halloween over at my parent's. We crashed their ward Halloween party. Which was the ward I grew up in so it was fun to see familiar faces. Brooke and Tiff's little families were there and their kids couldn't be cuter.
I am loving that Ryan and Nicole's family are staying with my parents this month, I love having them closer. Alie is so good with Gage, I love watching all the cousins interact. The highlights of the night was chatting on the porch with Rocky and Paul and my mom with Gage snuggling on my lap, seeing Dad with a sleeve tatoo on, and watching Ryan sprint around with Ray on his shoulders. Amazing weather!! Bummer that Cody had to work late, he was missed.

Gage Turns 1

What a year! I can't believe that a year ago I was in the hospital recovering from giving birth to my first child. We feel an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude to get such a wonderful little boy. After wanting a child for some time, we were so so ready for him to come.

At his birthday it was great to have Lexi, Raquel and Paul, Ryan and Nicole and the kids, and Cody's family here. Thanks for the fun gifts!

Gage's First Haircut

He's getting to be a BIG BOY!

He got pretty ticked towards the end. "Pain is Beauty", Bud. It makes him look so much older, boo hoo. I don't want my little baby to grow up. Looks like we'll just need to have another.

If you notice, he has a cut on his lip from taking his first spill down our stairs. It broke my heart as he sobbed into my shoulder. He's still trying to forgive me.

He's Going to Skip Crawling

Gage turns 1 this month. WOW! I can't believe that it was a year ago that he was still in my tummy. I can't imagine life without him now. It's crazy how much joy comes from these sweets spirits we are blessed to raise. The love is indescribable.
I'm excited for General Conference this weekend. And, no, it's not because I can stay in my PJs and go to Mom and Dad's between sessions. Well, yes it is. Also, thanks for all the great support and nice comments from all you who have made this photography business a success.

I love Photography

So my dream of starting a photography business has now become a reality. This is so exciting for me and I have now just had a website created. I've been snapping pictures like crazy, so thanks for those of you who have taken part in the many photo shoots. If you want to check out the site it is www.startinphoto.com. It is a work in progress.
I'm not crafty so I love how it's such a fun way to let my creative side show. Also, it has been great working with Rachel Allen. She is so talented; her frames are truly amazing.

One more thing, for any of you in need of family pictures or some solo shots of your kids. I am not charging a sitting fee until Jan 1, 2008. I want to beef up my portfolio. Thanks

Fun Times in Rocky Point

Driving into the resort was so bizarre because it seemed like we were in the middle of nowhere. Then all of a sudden you drive over this bridge and you find yourself in a little piece of paradise. The food was unreal and the scenery was like you were living in a postcard. Having Gage there made it even more memorable. While on the beach his main objective was eating the sand and gnawing on the seashells. You can see what happened when we tried to intervene. Megan and Jeff were so much fun to be with we couldn't ask for better friends! Shopping, playing cards, relaxing, eating, what else could you ask for?

Martin's Cove

What an amazing experience!!! This past weekend we had an extended Wood family reunion in Wyoming. I'll admit that I wasn't thrilled about driving 16 hours to camp out for 3 days, but now I will cherish those memories as some of my best. I truly feel renewed in my faith and have a deeper love and respect for those who made the trek across that harsh landscape.
I also got to know my extended family on a deeper level and participate in the fun that goes along with roughing it out in the wilderness. With the right equipment camping really is a lot of fun. I can see going on some fun camping trips this fall. Where are your favorite camping spots? Have any of you done the Martin's Cove experience?

This Summer Is Going By So Fast

Okay, so I've been slacking on my blog. Some of the highlights from the last entry have been: going to Brooke's B-Day party, going to Jimmy Eat World concert, hosting BUNCO night, and enjoying time with friends and family. Thanks for all your comments, it is so great hearing from those of you I don't get to see very often.

Love to Swing

It's hot, but going to the park is fun!

Lexi's Senior Pictures

So I was going to take Lexi's senior pictures when it suddenly decided to downpour. Lexi was a good sport and instead we just went outside my parent's house and snapped a few shots with the digital. Someday I would love to be a photographer, I am slowly saving up for one of those Digital SLR cameras (professional grade). When I do, I would love to start a side job where I do weddings, families, babies and senior pictures. I took every college course offered while I was going to the U, and hope that I'll be able to do it someday.

Gage is Finally on the Move... Sort of...

Our Summer Vacation in Idaho

We took a road trip up north and visited the Startins in Rexburg, ID. Gage actually handled the drive quite well, thanks to what Ryan Wood calls "Babysitter Einstein".

I am grateful Cody comes from such a loving family. They were great hosts!

Jad, Jada, and Cole Startin

Ryan, Kenzie, and Livee Startin

Michael, Josh, Kimberly, and Gage

The highlights of the 2 week trip were going white water rafting, going to the hot springs, visiting Mesa Falls, and enjoying the gorgeous weather. We were also able to see a bunch of friends and family that we haven't seen for a while; it was great to catch up on there lives.

We headed up to Rexburg, ID on July 7th. It was great spending time with the whole Startin clan. The weather was amazing. Here we are enjoying an outing at the park.

Our 5 Years Together

We had our 5th Wedding Anniversary on 6-25-07

It's about time...

Okay, so I can't resist any longer. It has been too fun peeking in on all your lives and now it is my turn to share.