Viva Las Jacobs

Skyler is 16!!!

2011-06-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

It happened...like it or not my baby boy grew up and turned sixteen last month. Of course it is an exciting birthday for him, bringing lots of new experiences...driving, dating, and being ordained a priest. It was thrilling to see him bless the sacrament last week with his dad being able to bless with him as well. It is a nice tradition that our ward has to let the fathers bless the sacrament with their sons for the first time.

I can honestly say that there isn't a day that goes by that I am not grateful to be Skyler's mother. I am so proud of him. We have always been close. Skyler has always been so obedient and kind. He isn't ashamed to show and tell me that he loves me in front of other people. I know that I can trust him. I can't wait to see what the next few years bring for him. He is a courageous young man that is always willing to stand up for what is right.

Where to begin?

2011-06-04T21:21:00.000-07:00

Well, how embarrassing that it has been more than a year and a half since I have posted on my blog. That is pretty darn sad!!! I guess it's because I feel like I am writing to myself most of the time...which isn't all bad, but I do like to see some comments from time to time...so bring it on! I am catching the blog fever again through the example of others and by following many blogs that inspire me. So here goes! I will try to do better!

General Conference Sunday

2009-10-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

While Scott was "listening" to the Sunday afternoon session of General Conference, Skyler enjoyed painting his toenails various colors with markers. We had to laugh as he slept through the process. So Scotty...What did you get out of conference? Painted toenails!!!!

This is how Scott and Starlee listened to conference. I'm going to have to start giving a test at the end of each session, I guess!!!

Week in Review...

2009-09-23T19:40:00.001-07:00

Fall is a busy time for our family. I thought it would be fun to do a little weekly synopsis of the family activities to keep everyone in the loop (especially the kids grandparents). First of all, last week Starlee played in 3 tennis matches during the week with her high school team. I think they won 2 and lost 1 (but I can't remember exactly!). She also got asked to Homecoming which will be on October 10. She was asked by Jacob Harper who she got to know on the Church History Tour. She is beyond excited :)!!!! He asked her using a "star light, star bright..." theme and put his name in glow in the dark stars. It was very cute.

This is a picture of Starlee congratulating Skyler on winning his freshman election. He ran for Freshman Representative and won. Now he and Starlee have one class period together (student council). They are so excited to do student council stuff together. I appreciate these two for how they love and take care of each other. Skyler is going to be one lonely boy next year when big sis goes off to college!!! Their relationship is so cute!

Skyler (aka "Big Country", "Big Sky" and "Baby Jacobs") is number 64 on the Centennial Freshman football team. He is the starting center. Last week he was chosen to be team captain. He was honored by that. His team won by making a touchdown in the last seconds to bring the score to 15-8 over Shadow Ridge!!! That was exciting. He also had one of his best buddies get hurt in the game. He went and helped take care of his friend since his mom is a single mom and it was hard for her to move him and dress him etc. It turns out that his injury was a pinched nerve in the neck (very painful) and swelling. We are so glad that he will be okay in a few weeks!

Not a very good picture, but Aspen cheers for Scott's middle school football team. She is on the front row to the left on this picture. She is doing such a great job this year! She is excited to be taking gymnastics and tumbling with her team so that they can improve their skills. She continues to be our little art project girl and is doing really well in school. She cheered Scott's team on to victory 48-7. What fun!

This is Brighton first year playing tackle football. He loves it! He gets up early on game day and starts getting dressed. I had to tell him last week that he might not want to sit around the house for 1 1/2 hours before leaving for the game in his full gear! He thought I was crazy. He wanted to be ready. He plays on the defense and loves trying to tackle the other players. It is so cute to watch. His team pulled out a victory this week as well (14-12). He was thrilled. It would have been a perfect week if BYU could have pulled off a victory as well. Come on Cougs!!!!

Well...those are a few of the highlights from last week! We are so busy, but it is so fun. The years go by so quickly that we are just trying to soak it all in while we can. Love to all! More to come next week!!!

Back to School We Go!!!

2009-08-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Awww...such cuties! 5:45 a.m. and off to seminary they went. They were so excited to start their Senior and Freshman year together. I think it is adorable that Skyler towers over his older sister. He takes a lot of pride in that as well!

Starlee is determined to enjoy every experience possible during her Senior year. So far she is involved in the Senior Play "Death by Fatal Murder" which will be performed Sept 10-12, the Centennial girls tennis team, Seminary council, and studentbody officer. I think she is off to a good start:) She never has been one to sit back and watch the world go by!

Skyler is so excited to take on the world of high school as a Freshman. He is the center on the Centennial freshman football team, and loving it. He enjoys the coaches, and his friends on the team. We are biased, but we think they are going to have a very successful footbal season. He is enjoying the new world of early morning seminary (except he can't wait to sleep in this weekend)!!

Aspen is entering 5th grade (her final year of elementary school here in Vegas), and Brighton is entering 3rd grade. They both have incredible teachers, and are excited about having friends in their classes. Aspen is doing cheer again this year for Scott's middle school football team that he coaches. She enjoys doing that, and all her little "projects" around the house. She just got her hair cut again, and is enjoying being able to do it herself (and so am I).

Brighton gets the "Poser award". He cracks me up. I can't believe that my baby is in 3rd Grade. He is loving it. He is also in his first year of tackle football. So far the coach has him playinig middle linebacker. He loves to hit, and he is fast. It will be a blast to watch him play, and I pray he doesn't get hurt. He is also enjoying cut scouts! Needless to say, he is sleeping well at night:)

Sena Baby blessing

2009-08-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

This is my whole Starley Family...minus our dear parents that are currently serving a mission in the Philippines. We gathered for Sena's baby blessing a few weeks ago in St. George. Even though we were only together for a few hours, it sure was nice to see each other. My older brother (to my left) and his wife Heather currently live just north of Salt Lake City. The four adorable redheads are theirs. My younger brother Matt (to the right of Skyler) and his wife Jill have two adorable children. They are such cute parents. They live in St. George right now. Then there is my younger sister, Jeni (pink sweater). She lives in Vegas and is in search for her Mr. Right. Matt gave Sena a beautiful blessing. He has a gift for words. One of the things that I remember him blessing her with is "to always be a lady".

The Rocking Chair

2009-08-20T19:52:00.001-07:00

When we drive from Vegas to Provo or when we return, we have a tradition of stopping at a certain Chevron in Beaver. It is fun to take a picture in the big rocking chair outside the store. We took this on our return from the Jacobs Family Reunion.

Cousins

2009-08-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

Starlee's cousins are getting a kick out of the fact that they are all passing her up in height and they are just turning 11! She is good to let them have their fun!! We love out "short stuff!"

Great Grandma Lucy

2009-08-20T19:40:00.000-07:00

This is Scott's Grandma Lucy. She is 92 years old and simply amazing. She is a beautiful tiny little hispanic woman. She is all of 4'11'', and the kids each get a kick when they pass her up in height. She is so cute and kids with them when they do. Aspen has reached that point, and Starlee thinks its nice to be taller than someone!!! We love Grandma Lucy. She is such a good example to all of us! It was good to see her.

Happy 17th Birthday Starlee!!

2009-08-20T19:33:00.000-07:00

Some of the gang! Thanks for helping us surprise her!

After a long busy day of tennis, play practice and lifeguarding, Starlee came home totally unaware that her house was full of some of her friends. We threw together a last minute surprise party for her 17th birthday. It was fun to surprise her, and it was a nice casual party. Afterwards we stayed up late and watched the conclusion of "So you Think You Can Dance!". I love my Star! What a treasure she is, and we feel so blessed to have her be a part of our family. How can it be 17 years since she was born? It makes me sad to see time fly so quickly, but it sure is fun watching her grow!

No More Brace Face!!!

2009-07-23T21:48:00.001-07:00

Can you tell which two teeth are fake? Unfortunately, 3 of our 4 children inherited missing teeth from me! They are all missing their laterals. "Back in the day", they just pulled my teeth all the way forward. Now, they line up all the teeth and create a space to insert the fake teeth attached to a retainer. When Skyler is done growing, he can have teeth implants put in. Anway, we think our Orthodonist is awesome. He did a great job, and Skyler is more handsome than ever!

Eagle Project

2009-07-23T21:43:00.001-07:00

Skyler completed his Eagle Project last weekend! Thanks to all those that came to help! It was HOT, and with everyone's help we painted 108 fire hydrants in a couple of hours! I am proud of Skyler for doing a good job at organizing the whole project.

My missionaries

2009-07-08T19:07:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my dad working in his office of the Cauayan City Mission. He works long hours and has tremendous responsibilities to help keep the mission running smoothly. I am proud of him. It isn't easy to keep the power running, the bills paid, all the books balanced, and all the housing managed for the missionaries, among other things. He truly has become a "Jack of all trades"!

This is a picture of my parents (far left) with some of the other mission leaders. Their mission president is the fourth man from the right and his wife is next to him. My parents LOVE and ADMIRE the Villanuevas so much. They are incredible people. My mom says that the mission presidents laugh can brighten even the darkest day, and that the mission president enjoys my Dad.

This is a picture of my mom with some of the sister missionaries that were serving in the Alicia Branch. They were having a lunch together. They are so LUCKY to have my parents serving with them. My parents love the missionaries and want the best for them!

I absolutely LOVE this picture of my dad with the Philippino people! It is a great missionary picture! I guess my dad was cracking everyone up because there was a pig in the yard and my dad was speaking in his Donald Duck voice to the pig. They thought it was the funniest thing they had heard. You can see the tickled look on my Dad's face! I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!!! I am so grateful for your example to me and your grandkids!!!

Winston snuggles

2009-07-08T14:59:00.000-07:00

I think the dog has more pics these days than the kids, but who can resist?! He loves to find someone to curl up next to and take a snooze. Since Starlee can be found falling asleep in the middle of the house the most lately, we find Winston usually curled up next to her legs.

Summertime FHE

2009-07-08T14:47:00.001-07:00

This summer we have only had all of our kids under the same roof a handful of times! It felt so good on Monday night to all be together...even the dog! Jeni joined us (enjoying some macaroni salad!!!) and she made our new favorite treat--coconut fro yo with fresh lime juice, raspberries and toasted coconut on top! She makes it with greek yogurt! Not only is it yummy, but it is healthy too. We pretty much staged this picture. The lesson really took place in the house later, but we had fun joking about it. I love summer!

Sena

2009-07-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

My brother Matt and his wife Jill have provided us with another beautiful niece and cousin. We are so excited that she is here and healthy! They have named her Sena Starley. As you can tell, Aspen didn't want to share her with anyone. Aspen really should have been the oldest child since she is a "little mother" and loves babies. It is nice that Scott and I have brothers and sisters that are still having babies so that Aspen can get her fill of little ones since we won't be helping in that area any more.

Leavin on a Jet Plane

2009-06-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

" She's leavin on a jetplane..." Starlee is having the experience of a lifetime right now. We sent her on a 2 week church history/us history tour. She is going with our former bishop and his wife and their teenage tour groups that they take out each year. My mom and I actually got to go as chaperones a few years ago, so my heart is with her as she travels and experiences incredible things. She is lucky because she is going with 7 of her friends from our ward. It is nice to have them all together. They started the tour in Independence, MO and made their way back east. So far she has been to Liberty Jail, Far West, Independence, Nauvoo, Carthage, Warsaw, Washington DC, Gettysberg, Philadelphia, and NYC. In the next few days she will be in Palmyra and visit the Sacred Grove, Hill Cumorah, etc before heading up to Niagara Falls and ending her tour in Kirtland Ohio. She is absolutely loving life, and I can't wait for a full report from her and more pictures. She returns on Saturday June 20th. Yea!!! We miss our ray of sunshine!

Spring Football

2009-06-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken last week after the championship game. The boys aren't smiling because they took 2nd place. They deserved 1st place, but the refs found a way to take away every single touchdown that they made (which was 4 touchdowns). The other team won 12-0. It was a total ripoff, and the kids had the momentum sucked right out of them. Oh well...it was a great little team with great coaches and players, and it got Skyler in shape for high school football which started this week for him. Centennial Bulldogs here he comes!!! He is really excited.

School's Out!!!

2009-06-16T21:21:00.000-07:00

It's official...School is out!!! Yea!! This year just went by way too fast. I am so proud of all the kids for completing this year with fantastic grades and awards for good citizenship!!! It will be nice to have a fun and relaxing summer.

A Favorite New Find

2009-05-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered a really great way to save money on groceries. At www.dealstomeals.com they search through all the local grocery ads and come up with a weekly list of the best buys at each store. They also tell you how much of certain items that you need for a year supply. If you get really into it, they have a weekly menu and grocery list where they focus on using mostly items that are on sale that week. It costs only $4.95 a month, and saves me tons of time and money. I have stocked up my pantry with things that are on sale. Very rarely do I pay full price for my groceries now. It is fun! I look forward to receiving my email each week. So far they offer this service for those of us living in Utah, Nevada and California! Log on and give it a try...I think you get a free trial month. Let the savings begin!!!

The Prom

2009-05-08T17:33:00.001-07:00

Starlee went to Prom a couple weeks ago. She had a great time with Gavin. I just thought I would share a few pictures since she looked so beautiful.

Starlee pulling one of her faces. She is with her friend Aubrey.

I love this picture of the back of Starlee's dress!

This was their group that they went with. They all looked so beautiful and handsome. They are a fun group of kids. 7 of them are in our ward.

Star can light up a room with that smile of hers!

A Busy Weekend

2009-05-08T17:21:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our busy weekend a couple of weeks ago. This is a picture of the boys and I. After Skyler's football game, we went to clean our office. The kids help me clean Scott's office and some of the adjoining ones a couple times a week. The girls couldn't help this weekend because Starlee was at Prom and Aspen was in California at Astro Camp with her 4th grade.

This is a picture of Skyler and his buddies. These 3 have played together on 2 different teams and they have become good friends. This picture was after the game where they beat the Vikings 38-0. That was a fun game, especially since we thought the Vikings would beat us. Skyler plays Center and Zach and Ajai play the on the line as well. They will play together in high school next year.

This picture is of Starlee and her friends after the Prom assembly at Centennial High School. I went to watch since Starlee was part of Prom Court for the Junior Class. She has so many great friends that are so much fun!

We said goodbye to Aspen as she headed to Astro Camp in California for the weekend. She was so excited to go on her first "big girl outing" without the family. She had so much fun, and surprised us by not getting very homesick.

All Smiles!!

2009-05-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

My friend made my day when she emailed me this picture! I absolutely had to share it on my blog! I think this lady forgot to look at her backside in the mirror--or maybe she did this on purpose in order to make someone's day! I know it makes my day! I have been known to take pictures of people's outfits in stores as well. One of my favorites was a lady that I saw (not once, but twice in the same outfit) at Sam's Club. She had on skin tight "Solid Gold" pants. I get such a kick out of watching people. Don't forget to turn your frowns upside-down:)

Blood and Gore

2009-04-22T16:40:00.001-07:00

Skyler is proud of his football wounds. Here is the latest from last nights game, which we won! Nice tan line Sky!

The Day has Arrived

2009-04-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

Finally, after 14 years Jeni can now say that her nephew is taller than her. I think that she was almost as thrilled as Skyler!

Academic Letter

2009-04-22T16:32:00.001-07:00

I'm sorry if it seems like I am constantly bragging about my kids, but I can't help myself. They give me no reason not to brag! Sorry if it is sickening! Starlee received her 2nd academic letter yesterday. In order to receive one, you have to have 3 consecutive semesters with a gpa greater than 3.5. We are proud of her and how hard she works to keep her grades up. It is nice that it is important to her. Way to go Starlee! This picture is of Star with her wonderful high school counselor Mrs. Simmons. She looks out for Starlee and we appreciate her!

The bruise

2009-04-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

This picture doesn't do this bruise justice, but I promised Skyler I would put this award winning bruise on our blog for all to see. He got this during a recent football game, when a HUGE polynesian kid on the opposing team fell on top of him. I'm not kidding when I say that kid was a beast! Man...they make huge 14 year olds these days. Skyler is proud of his bruise!

Easter Weekend

2009-04-15T19:26:00.000-07:00

Jeni and I preparing Easter dinner.

It appears that the Easter bunny enjoyed hopping around the spa! I even warmed it for him so that he could jump in and relax a bit the night before!

"Swimmin in the Rain" on Saturday!

Wedgy Alert

2009-04-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

The boys were goofing around one night, trying to see how high they could pull their pants without injuring themselves. Wow--it was quite a sight! I'm sure they will appreciate me posting this on our blog so that the whole world can enjoy:)

Glenn came to visit!

2009-04-15T19:14:00.000-07:00

Scott's high school buddy and his family came to visit us over Easter weekend. Is it any wonder that we love this guy! My kids think he is the funniest thing ever, and we agree. He cracks us up. We had a great time visiting with his family, swimming (yes--in the rainy weather, but a pool heater helps!), and playing games! Glenn was even willing to wear the fancy swim cap and pose for a picture. What a sport!

I had to joke with the guys that they were even dressed alike. The only difference was the Glenn's shirt had a "little polo guy" on it! Way to one up Scott!

Puppy Love

2009-03-30T20:00:00.001-07:00

Winston, our Miniature Schnauzer puppy is 5 months old now. As you can tell, he doesn't get enough love around here! He is a good little guy--except when he figured out how to climb the kitchen chair and get on the table. I caught him eating kettle corn out of our popcorn bowl one morning. He also enjoy eating my carpet. Other than that, he is a perfect pup!

Dropping Like Flies

2009-03-30T19:26:00.000-07:00

Our ward fast and testimony meeting was very entertaining yesterday. Our ward is very reverent, and it was a really touching and spiritual meeting despite a few interruptions! We had two separate young men pass out during the meeting. One is Skyler's friend in the teacher's quorum. He passed out while standing over the door during the sacrament. Thankfully there was a doctor, a few nurses and firemen in the crowd. He was probably worn out from baseball the day before, and fasting. Then...toward the end of testimonies a 20 year old young man was bearing his testimony (which was beautiful) and he started looking so white, slumped over and luckily the Bishop caught him before he hit the ground. Bishop proceeded to tell the congregation that he was thinking about banning fasting on fast sundays. That got a laugh. What a crazy day to have two separate incidents in one meeting. I was beginning to wonder if something was in the air!

The "Ding Dong" Ditch

2009-03-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

Recently, I caught two boys from Aspen's class approaching our house in the middle of the afternoon with a Ding Dong in their hands. They had parked their bikes around the corner of our cul-de-sac and were running towards our house as I drove into the cul-de-sac. They got this "we've just been caught" look on their faces. I rolled down my window and said hello. They told me that they were about to "Ding Dong Ditch" an actual Ding Dong for Aspen. I just had to smile. I told them to go ahead. So...they ding donged and ditched the ding dong for Aspen. It made her day.

Aspen had to get new glasses. She actually loves wearing them, so that is good!

Student Body 2nd Vice Pres.

2009-02-11T22:42:00.001-08:00

Centennial High School has a new Student Body 2nd Vice Pres for the 2009-2010 school year, and her name is......Starlee Jacobs! We are so excited for her. It is crazy that 3 of the 5 student body officers for next year are in our ward!! They will have so much fun, and make it a wonderful senior year together.

Modest Prom Dress Fashion Show

2009-02-11T22:36:00.001-08:00

This was my favorite dress that she wore.

Starlee and her friends were in a fashion show for the new Allyse's Bridal store that opened up her in Vegas. They had so much fun strutting their stuff on stage. Either Starlee is really short, or she has only tall friends. She is in the green dress--so cute! These are only a part of the girls that are Starlee's age in our ward. It is really neat to have such a big group.

Our Baby Got Baptized

2009-02-11T22:17:00.000-08:00

My boys in their baptismal clothing. Brighton says the cutest things. Right after he was baptized, he said to me, "Mom, I'm BAPTIZED!!! I feel like I'm floating!" That says it all.

Our family outside the church just before Brighton's baptism.

It's great to be 8!!!!!

Skyler gave Brighton some last minute baptism tips!

Our new "Scrub Slouch"

2009-01-29T17:03:00.000-08:00

Our little Brighton turned eight this month. He started scouts this week, or as Grandpa Starley calls it "scrub slouching". He was SOOOOOO excited to wear his uniform and check stuff off in his book. He came home and passed off the requirements for his bobcat immediately. Last night Skyler had a court of honor where he earned his star (I think...what do I know?). Anyway, Brighton wanted to wear his uniform too, so he did. Cute little enthusiastic bug!

Vegas Snow Day

2009-01-29T16:46:00.000-08:00

We had a snow day in Las Vegas! It was magical to see the big flakes come down for hours and actually stick to the ground. The kids sat by the phone waiting for the schools computerized system to call with the words "snow day--no school tomorrow!" Sure enough it came. They were so excited. The funny thing is that by morning all the snow was melted and they would have been fine to go to school. Weak!!!! Now they have to make up the day in March.