Jennifer Starr

"There's no combination of words I could put on the back of a postcard... No song I could sing... But I can try for your heart...Our dreams, and they are made out of real things... Like a, shoebox of photographs... With sepiatone loving... Love is the answer, At least for most of the questions in my heart... Like why are we here? And where do we go? And how come it's so hard? It's not always easy and... Sometimes life can be deceiving... I'll tell you one thing its always better when we're together..."

So... a young couple walks into a bar.......

One Monday Night Justin and I found ourselves at this bar called "The Dark Horse"..... this was bar maybe a mile or two from our house that we had never had paid much attention to until... we learned that our dear friend Becky was giving... free massages on Mondays Nights!!! That was it... we just had to check it out then...

Yep... that' s me......

Great food... ( not really..... but the drinks were good), good service... and awesome massages!!! Anyone who lives in the Chandler/Tempe area... I highly suggest checking it out... Becky's there on Mondays... giving the best massages in town!!!

Me again... feeling so refreshed after my massage... and a few spirits... just a few.... :)

Photo Shoot with the Provost Family

This is so fun! Justin and I are loving the rewards of having our own side business "Social Grace Studios".. not only do we get the opportunity to capture some beautiful images.... we also get to be apart of our loved ones milestones..... if only we had more time to do this more often.

One Sunday afternoon about a month ago... we spent the afternoon with Bri, Donnie and Gracie. Gracie had just turned one years old ... .and we were able to capture some precious images of her "One Year Shoot".

"SweetPeas Floral and Events" is born!

Yesterday I had such a fun time spending the morning and afternoon with my mom. We attended the Southwest Flower and Garden Show at the Unversity of Phoenix Stadium. We spent the day looking through all of the exhibits and brainstorming ideas for our upcoming Floral and Event Business. Our orginal name for our company was "Bella Graces" over the past year during our developmental stages neither of us were 100 % "in love" with that name. So after pondering, searching, .... and little bit of sugar and coffee .....our new name was born: SweetPeas Floral and Events.

SweetPeas has a very special meaning to me. Ever since I was a little girl my mother grew the most amazing Sweet Peas in our yard! They are such a simple flower but have the most amazing scent that reminds me of my childhood. We always had SweetPeas in our home in vases and we always gave away bouqets of SweetPeas to every guest that left our home.

Now that we have our official name-we're ready to begin our journey! More to Come!!!

Melissa's Recipe Party

I'm so bummed I didn't snap any photos of this night- it was such a fun time! My friend Melissa decided that she was tired of cooking the same o stuff for dinner and threw a party to gather some inspiration. Now this idea works great for people who cook ....but for me it was just an excuse to attend a party. Any ways it was a blast to spend time with friends and enjoy an awesome dinner!!! (It's too bad Aimee wasn't in town... she would have loved this party!)

Some of the recipes we sampled were:

- Buffalo Chicken Dip

-Clams Triestina

-Grilled Corn, Quinoa Spinach Salad

Edamame and Noodle Stir-Fry

-Chicken and Wild Mushroom & Balsamic Cream Sauce

-and many more!

Thank you Melissa- will you be my wife?

Lunch with Kimmy!

I love my Kimmy! Kim worked at Seville with me as my assistant for just under a year... during that time we became really good buds! Kim is an absolute crack up and I love and miss her dearly... I'm always happy when we can get together for lunch to catch up on all the important things in life... like how much we dislike our new matching haircuts! xoxo

Baby Gracie's first Birthday!

My cousin Bri and her hubby Donnie have the most precious baby girl!

She's the very first "great grandbaby" in the Norris family.

It amazes me what natural mother Bri has become... it truly is inspiring.

We had the pleasure of attending her first birthday party and Justin was able to capture some fun shots!

Happy Birthday Gracie!

Is Our Dog Normal?

Well.... my parents certainly don't think so. Sammy is our dog and she is a GIRL- lot's of people refer to her as a boy due to her name- but she is indeed our sweet and stubborn little girl "wiener dog". Sammy came into our world the Christmas of 2007 -Justin surprised me with her! We've noticed over the past year that Sammy is rather "unusual".

For example:

-She sits up on her butt like a bear

-Her feet are turned "outward" we think this may be due to the ducks she plays with outside

-She makes "chewbacca" noises when she's crying for attention

-She actually "cries" when she is sad

-and from time to time she will fall asleep in my arms like a baby

I love my little strange dog and Justin does too.... maybe we are the ones who aren't normal?

Night Out w/ the Tuttles!

We always have fun with Tony & Jacquie!!!

Due to our crazy schedules and the Tuts crazy schedules we're lucky if we get to hang out every other month. On this particular evening we went to Ichi Ban Restaurant in Mesa.

A.T. Still University

Well... it's "finals" time in the Starr bungalow. This is when Justin crams like a mad man to ace his exams! It will be a long road ahead but I do have to admit it's going by quickly. Throughout our dating and marriage Justin has always been a student... I really can't imagine what life would be like if he wasn't a student- more trips to the beach I'm sure:) But I'm thrilled that Justin is going to have the career he's always wanted.

Anyways, I thought I'd take the time to update everyone on "what the heck" he's going to school for.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)

A.T. Still University

Home of the world’s first osteopathic medical school, founded in 1892, A.T. Still University is a renowned healthcare education and training university and a leading educator in multidisciplinary whole-person healthcare. The Arizona School of Health Sciences, located in Mesa, Ariz., offers doctoral and master of science degrees in a wide range of healthcare disciplines and strives to advance healthcare by educating compassionate, competent healthcare professionals.

The school’s interdisciplinary and technology emphasis, with incorporation of a philosophy of wholeness and treatment of body, mind, and spirit, creates an excellent professional educational environment.
Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.)
Physical therapy encompasses examination, treatment, and instruction of human beings to detect, assess, prevent, correct, alleviate, and limit physical disability, movement dysfunction, bodily malfunction, and pain from injury, disease and any other bodily and mental conditions. Within these areas, physical therapists may offer clinical services, administer and manage practice settings, participate in research, and serve as consultants and educators.
The Curriculum
The Physical Therapy Residential Program is an entry-level doctoral program three years in length. The program requires fulltime attendance and includes supervised clinical internships. Courses are designed with emphasis on both a strong academic foundation and clinical practice. Class sizes allow faculty and staff to work closely with students to help them develop the professional attitudes and clinical problem-solving skills necessary for optimum patient care.

Graduation from the Physical Therapy Residential Program requires completion of didactic and clinical coursework, as well as a terminal project. Upon graduation, students are awarded the Doctor of Physical Therapy (D.P.T.) degree. Physical therapy students receive their basic and clinical science education in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area.

Chase Norris is Crowned "Mr. Cougar"!!!!

I cannot even begin to express how much I look up to my "little baby brother" these days! He's truly grown into such an ayoung adult.

On February 17th, 2009 Justin and I met up with my mom and dad in a crowded auditorium to watch "The 10th Annual Mr. Cougar Contest".

The Events for the Evening were as follows:

Introduction of Contestants

Dance

Talent Competition

Muscle Flex

Formal Wear

Introduction of Parents

Audience Favorite

Announcements of Finalists

Impromptu Questions

Coronation of Mr. Cougar 2009

The most impressive part of the entire evening was when Chase participated in the talent competition. Many competitors did dances, lip sync. etc. but Chase blew the crowd away by playing the piano and singing the famous Beatles song

"Let it Be".

He truly did an outstanding job- I couldn't believe how confident and talented my lil stinkerbell was. And to no surprise Chase Lindsay Norris was

crowned "Mr. Cougar"!

Everyone in the crowd went crazy!!!

Especially his big sis :)

We are so proud of Chase!!!

To View Chase's Solo Click on Link Below:

http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b377/dubblebubble1/?action=view&current=105_2819-1.flv

Aimee's in Town!!!

Yeah!!! I get SO excited to spend time with my partner in crime Aimee. She moved to Georgia a year ago go complete her masters... and I NEVER get to spend enough time with her... but when I do get to catch up... we rarely miss a beat! She is the funniest person I have ever met in my life...so we always have a great time. I'm planning on hopefully flying out to Georgia this April to see what life is like down south.

xoxoxox Valentines Day xoxoxx

I have the best husband in the world!!! He knows how much "events/holidays" mean to me- he always goes above and beyond to make these days so special. I woke up to find a Valentine's card wating for me in the morning.... followed by roses on my desk ....followed by a romantic dinner at home ..........

I love you Justin, I'm so lucky to be married to such a thoughtful person xoxox Thank you for making my day so special.

Baby Keegan... coming soon!!

Andrea and Noah are dear friends of ours... who we rarely get to spend time with- so... it's always a treat to visit with them. A few weeks ago we met up with them at one of our favorite downtown Chandler restaurants El Zocalo Mexican Grille- this darling venue with indoor/outdoor seating and always live music on the weekends. ( Also a popluar wedding venue- but no competition to Seville of course).

It was so great to catch up with the Keegans and here about their preparations for their baby boy! Andrea is a ridiculiously beautiful mother to be- she really is truly glowing!!! Justin can't wait to take her maternity photos -she'll be the perfect model. We love you two and are so excited for you!!!!

Superbowl 2009- Go Cardinals!!!

Okay, well Justin and I are not huge football fans but we were really excited to see the Cards make it to the Superbowl! We went over to Tom and Maureen Parson's home to watch the game... and we decided to bring along our little Sammy dog to play with Otis ( Tom's and Mo's lab) they are such good buddys despite there size difference.

What a game, and more importantly .......what a cute lil weenier dog :)

JORTS? or not to JORTS?

On the evening of January 31st, 2009 Justin and I attended my co-worker Lizzy and her husband Andy's dual Birthday Party at their home in Gilbert. Their choosen theme this year was "Jorts"- and if you're wondering what that means.. .you're not alone I had to have this explained to me myself...

a combination of the words "jean" and "shorts" used to describe the hideous attire, usually sported by NASCAR afficianados and men over 40. Sometimes Jorts are accessorized with a lovely cellphone belt clip and a braided leather belt, but not always. Sometimes the Jorts wearer lets the Jorts speak for themselves.

Now anyone who knows my dear husband well, knows what a challenge I have with him when it comes to "dressing up in themed costumes"- unless of course he has choosen the theme himself- so Justin and I decided to protest this theme and not wear "Jorts" - a bold move seens how we've only know Lizzy and Andy for less then 6 months.

Instead we knew that Andy was planning on dressing up a "Gentleman Jorts" so we decided a the only way to get out of wearing "Jorts" was to come as his Fan Club- luckily he accepted us and didn't cut off our jeans at the door :)

Happy Birthday Lizzy and Andy!!! Very creative theme!!!!

Cousin Bri turns 30!!!

On Tuesday January 27th, Donnie threw Bri a surprise 30th Birthday Party! We all gathered at Riazzi's Italian Garden in Tempe; one of Bri's favorite restaurants. It's this darling little venue with homemade italian food. http://riazzis.com/

The birthday girl was quite surprised! Donnie did an excellent job... and Gracie Bri and Donnie's little one was dressed in such a cute party dress!!

Happy Birthday Bri... we love you xoxoxox !!!

Social Grace Studios: Captures Gregory's 1st Birthday!!!

Well gang, it's official .........I think Justin Starr is a great photographer!!! After training with Still Life Studios for the past year.. We have lauched our own business: "Social Grace Studios"

Melissa and Tommy have been great fans and promoters of Justin's talent and asked us to photograph their sweet baby's first birthday.

Gregory is such a happy little baby- it was so fun to photograph him!

The Jonovich Family celebrating Gregory turning one!!!!

Dad turns 55??? Is he really a senior now??

My sweet dad's birthday was on January 6th... and because it falls so close to Christmas and New Years.. we decided to celebrate a later in month this year so that the 5 of us could all be together.

His birthday was special... as always Mom put all of her special touches into it:

- The "Birthday Sign"

- Dad's birthday dinner of Roast Beef, Salad, bread, and her yummy sour cream mashed potatoes!!

-Carrot Cake and Ice cream

-gifts for Dad!!

I love my family.. more than anything.. any time with them is precious to me.

Happy Birthday Dad xoxox

This personal blog chronicles our lives for three years.... January 2009 through December 2011. It highlights our ups and downs and everything in between...it's been a journey for sure...thank you for following and reading...

I have concluded this blog ending in December of 2011. Life is just too darn crazy now for me to keep up with a personal blog.... and I'm challenging myself to simplify some areas in life, to make room for new goals. I'm thinking I'll probably just post more personal photos on facebook..to best keep in touch.

My current professional blog can be found here.
Though my professional blog won't be like online scrapbook (as this one was) I will include personal snippets and blurbs from time to time...as well as highlight my wild world as an Event Designer in all of it's glam and grime... I invite you to start following this blog now ~ I'll include tips to help "stylize" your world and I'll do my best to keep it fresh and fun!