Take A Walk In Our Shoes

I don'ts...

2010-11-30T21:02:00.000-08:00

Lately, it's been a lot of 'I don'ts..."

"I don't have this, I don't have that."

I am going to try and focus on the "I do's"

I have such a full and rich life. I wish that I could just always remember it's the 'little things' that make me truly happy. Sometimes when I write it out, it makes me remember the things that I do have and all the many blessings that I enjoy each day.

My beautiful family.
My wonderful husband who would do anything for us.
My amazing little son that I get to watch grow each day.
My little baby boy inside of me that is growing so perfectly.

My freedom.
This beautiful country.
The people that surround me each day.

My friends.
My health.

The Gospel.
The Atonement.
The Savior.
Heavenly Father.

All of these things, these non worldly things that make me who I am.

The things I can take with me.

My new focus.

This list goes and and continues to grow each day.

This probably should have been posted in November, seeing as how these are the things I am most grateful for.
It's never too late to be grateful.

Halloween Events and Pictures

2010-11-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

Garrett and I went to BYU's Spooooooktacular. It was really fun for us and for Kai. He got a lot of candy (which Garrett and I ate.) I love Halloween, we dressed up as vampires this year. Our costumes looked great! I can't wait for next years Halloween....:)

Spoooooooky.

Hocus Pocus

2010-10-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Ingrid and I had the pleasure of attending the annual festival of Witches. In other words, we went to 'Witches Night Out' at Gardner's Village. It was sooooo much fun! We are going to start making it a tradtion to go there every year. It was fun to just dance, eat, laugh and take pictures with all the creepers around! It was perfect weather and there were some crazy, cool costumes. I want to go ALL out next year, now that I know what I'm up against! :)

She is a real witch.

One of the coolest costumes.

Pose.

These are just a few of our pictures. As you can tell it was fun, and the company was great! :)

Behold...The Bump!

2010-10-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

I am 17 weeks, and just starting to pop out. I won't say that I'm starting to show though, because my tummy seems to change everyday...some days it's flat, some days it's fat...and other days...well you know. So, even though I have this picture of a bump doesn't mean I will have it tomorrow. This picture is also of a full bladder, so that makes my tummy look even bigger.
Can't wait til I get out of the "fat/self-conscious stage" and into the "okay, you can tell she's pregnant stage."
I started showing at about 20+ weeks with Kai, so far this pregnancy has been completely opposite, so we won't compare. Alright, updated. Signing out.

Snakes & Snails and Puppy Dog Tails...

2010-10-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

That is what little BoYs are made of! We are having another little BOY! We found out the gender a little early. I was so anxious to find out! He was not shy to let it all show. We immediately knew what 'it' was. I am so excited to have another little boy, I am going to be one busy mom if he's anything like my sweet little Malakai! I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to raise the Lord's children. I am just so excited to be expanding our cute, little family. This is what life is about. Just thought I would share my good news! :) Can't wait for March!

Ch-ch-ch-Charly

2010-10-05T10:59:00.000-07:00

My cute little niece was born on Sunday, October 3rd. She is as beautiful as can be, looks just like her mom. I'm so excited to have a baby girl in the family. It's been too long since we've had one. I love having cute nieces and nephews nearby. It is so fun to watch them all grow up and change. I'm excited to watch Lisa and Garett be parents, I know they will be the best parents! Congratulations guys! You couldn't be more blessed! :) Love you!

I stole this picture from Garett.

I'm baaaaack. (said in the voice of the creepy little girl on poltergiest)

2010-09-29T10:21:00.000-07:00

Alright, no more messing around. I'm taking this blogging thing serious...for now. I don't know why it's so hard to blog. There are multiple things including absence of time, laziness, tiredness, don't want to, etc. Right now, I'm here to stay, hopefully my motivation will stay strong and I will be a committed blogger. Instead of getting overwhelmed and trying to update you on everything that has happened as of late...I am going to start fresh, from this point I will tell you everything of importance that has happened in my life, everything I have on my mind that is appropriate for blog readers, and everything my cute child and my cute future child are up to. :) Enjoy, and look forward to my next post...dun dun dun:)

Until we meet again.
Anjali

i never do these, but it was late, and it looked fun.

2010-02-11T22:03:00.000-08:00

What are your middle names?

chad and dahn navaz

How long have you been together?
married almost 2 years, and together for almost 3.

How long did you know eachother before you started dating?
years and years. he is my brothers bff :) hah.

Who asked who out?
he asked me out. we went and got thai food. mmm. thai food.

Whose siblings do you see the most?
both.

Do you have children together?
yes. one sweet little malakai boden, who will be 1 this month!

Did you go to the same school?
yes, but not at the same time.

Who is more sensitive?
me, but i'm a girl...

Where do you eat out most as a couple?
lately-sushi.

Favorite Vacations?
cali

Who has the worst temper?
me, i guess. but that's only because i've never seen garrett really mad...he doesn't get mad.

Who does the cooking?
both of us! we love to cook!

Who is more social?
both of us.

Who is the neat freak?
me, me, me, ME. not that garrett is a pig, i'm just always straightening, and cleaning, and wiping, and organizing.

Who is the most stubborn?
we both have our moments.

Who hogs the bed?
GARRRRRREEEEETTTTT. gah!

Who wakes up earlier?
garrett, but only because he has to be to work by 8.

Where was your first date?
the thai pepper or kitchen. i can't remember what it is called. i always get it mixed up.

Who has the bigger family?
Me- many more nieces and nephews... and more siblings

Do you get flowers often?
no.

Who eats more?
garrett, by far.

Who sings better?
garrett, he's a singer/songwriter...

Who does the laundry?
gah! me. i HATE laundry, but i do it.

Who is better with the computer?
both of us...

Who drives when you are together?
garrett. on rare occasion and if i want to get there fast, i will drive.

Who picks when you go to dinner?
usually both of us. unless i'm in a particular mood. he'll eat whatever, whenever.

Who is the first one to admit they are wrong?

depends.

Who wears the pants in the relationship?
depends. sometimes i have to. i'm half of garrett's brain ;) hah.

Who eats more sweets?
we both eat them, we don't keep them in the house, but we both have a sweet tooth.

Who cries more?
um...probably me, but it's rare.

What's your best day together?
our wedding day AND the birth of our son. :)

Where did you honeymoon?
st. george. we both had lives to get back to.

Favorite date night?
ever? when we were dating, just for fun we drove up to salt lake and sat on the lawn and looked at the temple. that was when we decided that's where we were going to get married. now? i like temple nights :)
Favorite TV show to watch together?
well lately it's been HGTV, but we also watch AI (american idol) scrubs, heroes, and glee.

And sometimes you have to look to a Higher Power.

2010-02-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

“Things will work out” may well be President Hinckley’s most repeated assurance to family, friends, and associates. “Keep trying,” he will say. “Be believing. Be happy. Don’t get discouraged. Things will work out.”

optimism:

1.hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome of something.

2. the belief that good must ultimately prevail over evil in the universe.

President Hinckley was such a good example of optimism.

I love this quote, and just wanted to share it...once again. :)

Spin

2010-01-31T09:34:00.000-08:00

michelle has been telling me to go to Spin forever now, and finally i tried it.

I LOVE IT. it is seriously the best workout. i want to do it everyday of the week,

unfortunately it's only offered on tuesdays and thursdays.

i love going and feeling like my whole body is being worked out.

my goal is to start going in the mornings and evenings on t&th.

6:30 here i come :)

i love it that much, that i'm willing to sacrifice sleep (which i also love alot)

thanks michelle for getting me into it!

thank you garrett for letting me have this time to myself to do something i enjoy.

i hope one day that i can get a stationary bike, and do it at home.

if anyone is looking for a new workout...TRY SPIN!

I promise I won't put it off ANYMORE.

2010-01-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

So it has been far too long since I've blogged, so I will just update a few pictures that were taken over the last two months. It has been so fun, and we've been enjoying each others company! : )

Kai is growing like a weed, and I just can't believe he will be ONE in February. That little boy means everything to us, and we are so grateful for him. What a joy we get to experience! GARRETT GOT A JOB!!!...for now at least! We are so blessed for this opportunity that came! It'll be nice to have an income coming in again. :) Well I have gotten so far behind that I don't even remember everything we have done over the last couple of months, but I do have a few pictures. I promise to be better.

These are in no particular order...

Garrett & I at the SLC Temple Lights:)

We had went with Garett, Lisa, Rhett & Natalie.

It was fun to hang out with friends and enjoy this FREEZING cold night together.

Kai's FIRST time sitting on Santa's lap.

I didn't know how well he would do.

He started crying right when Santa walked in. Ha.

I gave him myself phone, and he let me snap a few pics:)

Garrett & I's spectacular New Years Eve Celebration.

It was fun to just hang out and chill at home.

Different, but fun. :)

My baby boy and I.

Kai's new jammies. Oooh I love them & Costco.

Kai's new favorite spot. He gets the remote, climbs up on the chair, and pushes the buttons.

It is the cutest thing ever.

I love this so much. The deer will just hang out in the orchard.

It is so cool.

Well anyways, I will really try to stay up on my blog. I just get so far behind, and then I think of all the work I have to do...and I just get LAZY. I'm sure some of you can relate.

i'll be HOME for Christmas...

2009-12-11T08:50:00.000-08:00

this year is a special year! this year will be the first year garrett and i have spent christmas in utah together! i'm so excited! it feels like we haven't had a 'white christmas' in far too long! last christmas i was very sick and pregnant, and i was away from home. i'm so happy to not be traveling, as much as do love california and the bodens. garrett and i have been in the christmas spirit a little earlier than most. we have had our tree set up for almost 2 months. it's funny how having a decorated tree in our living room can bring such a beautiful spirit to our home, and even though we have to keep a fence around the tree, it still is beautiful (if i say so myself.) i love christmas. oh how i love everything about it. i love the season of giving. i love the christmas parties, and food. i love being close to my family and friends. i love hot chocolate and cold nights. i am so excited for our yearly christmas eve program, and santa's visit. i'm excited for christmas morning waking up and going to the parents for breakfast, oh how i've missed christmas breakfast!

allan and teresa,

thank you for making christmas miss-able! thank you for having a program that reminds everyone what christmas is really about. thank you for preparing a wonderful christmas breakfast (which i missed oh so much!)

we're excited to spend the christmas with you guys!

we love you!

garrett, anjali & kai

just a little mind vomit...ha!

2009-12-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

as i was talking to lisa today, i realized how very grateful i am for garrett. for our relationship. our friendship. for his sacrifice. for the wonderful strength he is to me. for the wonderful father he is. i'm grateful for his dedication to our family. and even though he doesn't have the best job in the world right now, he still goes to work with a smile on his face. the last couple of months, since garrett began working at target, we haven't really gotten to spend a lot of time together (which we aren't use to). this makes me EXTRA grateful for the time we get with him when he is home. it makes it that more exciting for him to come home that day, so i can get those tiny little butterflies in my stomach all over again. it makes me appreciate him more and more. i love that guy. i look forward to growing old with him. sitting in our rocking chairs on our front porch. gray hair and all as i crochet a blanket humming, and he reads the newspaper. i look forward to spending all of eternity with my best friend, my second half.

thank you garrett, for being you. i love you.

...from then....to now...

2009-12-02T17:43:00.000-08:00

[picture taken when he was about 1 month old.]

can you believe it? because i can't! kai is 9 months old, well he's actually 9 months and 1 week, but i won't get technical. did someone speed up time? i want to be frozen in this moment. my little baby boy is growing up too fast. pretty soon, garrett and i will be having another and he will be a BIG brother. our little malakai never ceases to amaze. he's been crawling since he was 5 1/2 months old. pulling himself up since he was six months old. walking along things since he was 6 1/2 months old. free standing since he was 7 months old, and now he is trying to master taking steps by himself. he is a quick learner. he is also learning how to melt our hearts by blurting out "ma-ma" and "da-da" and even though we know he doesn't know it's us. it still is the most wonderful sound to hear. i love this little boy more than he will ever know. he helps me to keep things in perspective about knowing what is really important. FAMILY.

thank you malakai for brightening our days, for making us smile, and for helping us in becoming the best parents we can be. we love you so much and look forward to teaching you, and helping you become the best person we know you can be.

love your most-beautiful-loving-awesome-spectacular-fantastic-wonderful-wicked-sweet-parents-in-the-whole-wide-world-ever:

mom & dad. : )

[pictures taken within the last month]

DeNa ReAy- ReAy's 21st!

2009-11-25T19:05:00.000-08:00

garrett, kai and i went to PIRATE ISLAND for dena's 21st birthday bash! ha!

it was fun to hang out, and goof off with the girls, and other friends!

love you dena! : )

things that have come...

2009-11-25T18:51:00.001-08:00

fall flew by...?

seriously? where did it go?

i love the holiday season. i love the atmosphere. the spirit. the warmth. the smiles.

people change during the holidays, for good. they become less self involved, willing to help others, friendly, giving, happy. i love it.

there are a few pictures that i haven't posted of random things we have done in the last few months...

A Letter to Malakai:

2009-11-16T22:00:00.000-08:00

this is a poem garrett had to write for his creative writing class.

i loved it, and i don't think he'll mind if i share it,

if he does...just pretend it wasn't me:

"I hope I find you well

How strong that hope is I guess you'll never know

I hope you still know me like I know you now

I hope your eyes are still filled with light

I hope my words and impressions still influence you, if not that's okay

I hope you still wear your mother's sweet smile

I hope you still have hope for things to come

Are the memories good, the ones of family, are they good?

I hope you have no regrets

Will you keep this letter and every once in awhile feel its weight of love and then will you

laugh once for me Malakai, and wish it into the wind?"

garrett is a fantastic writer. there is an excerpt i would also like to post. in this particular assignment he chose to write about dreaming...

"...Malakai dreamt when was was 3 weeks old. Most likely he dreamt of memories.

Vivid memories of Joseph Smith maybe, challenging him once again to a game of stick-pull.

Memories of the apostle Paul might have been pulled into his dreams, Paul teaching him and counseling him as they read over scriptures together. He might have had a dream of joining a few angels as they gathered around a missionary slumped over his bed pleading with Heavenly Father to soften a hardened heart. As I've watched my son sleep on several occasions, I'll somtimes notice a tiny smile spread across his small face, and every now and then a whisper sigh slips out. I like to think that maybe at that moment a memory is playing out in his mind when he had to leave his heavenly family. Christ embracing him, holding him tightly for a very long time, letting Malakai cry against His chest and finally saying 'til we meet again.'

These might have been the memories of a spirit that soon had to make new memories.

This is what he knew. This is what he'll forget. "

i love his writing, i love how he writes about our son.

well i thought i would share these to my world of blog readers. : )

BYU Homecoming...

2009-10-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

garrett and i went to BYU's homecoming about a month ago.

it was funny. it was also lots of fun to dress up and go to a dance.

felt like the good ol' high school days. : )

here are a few pics.

in the cookies of life, SISTERS are the chocolate chips...

2009-10-03T23:07:00.000-07:00

SISTERS

Friends

Listeners

Talkers

Loving

Willing

Helpful

Laughers

Goofy

Beautiful

Fun

Honest

Examples

Caring

These are just a few of the things I love about my sisters. I love Laurie and Lisa, and I am SO grateful for them being a part of my life. I'm grateful for their examples, and the wonderful friends they have been for me. I love hanging out with these girls and being silly. They are beautiful inside and out. I look up and admire them so much. I love their helpful advice and that they will listen to me when I need someone to talk to.

Thank you girls for being the BEST sisters in the WHOLE world.

Thank you for always being there for me!

You really are amazing, and I love you guys so much! : )

mmm. pie fest.

2009-10-02T22:39:00.000-07:00

So let's be honest, I am not a fan of pie. But for some reason this festival of pies we have annually is when I am willing to try pies. I love seeing how creative everyone gets, and I love socializing with people. It was a lot of fun this year, and it ended with a chocolate fiasco. I'm looking forward to next years already! : )

Not to brag or anything, but mine and Garrett's pie

got DEVOURED. It really was super delicious.

But really I can't take much credit, it was mostly Garrett who made it. : )

Here is the recipe:

3/4 c. peanut butter

1 (3 oz) package cream cheese

1 1/4 powdered sugar

1 (12) container of whipped topping (thawed)

1 (9 in) prepared chocolate cookie crumb crust

For a prettier pie:

2 packages of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Spray whip cream

Chocolate syrup

Caramel syrup

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar.

Then stir whipped topping into peanut butter mixture. Whisk until smooth.

(Hint: use hand mixer for creamier peanut butter mixture.)

Pour filling into pie crust and refrigerate for about 3 hours until pie is firm.

Topping Instructions:

Cover top with whipped cream.

Crush peanut butter cups and place on top.

Add chocolate syrup and caramel.

This was the "after effect" of pie fest.

As you can tell it was a hit.

The girls.

This was just suppose to be a sweet little eating contest, but as you can tell...

it got a little out of hand. : )

Shhhh...don't tell the parentals. ; )

GoOoOoOoOoOoOoO COUGARS!

2009-09-27T22:07:00.000-07:00

Garrett and I got to use the parents tickets to go to the BYU football game yesterday. (Thank you guys! We love and miss you SO much!) It was SO much fun. I LOVE those games, I wish Garrett & I had season tickets. I love the feeling I get when I see the players on the field, I love the screaming fans, I love the unity, I just love the atmosphere! We got to go with Lisa & Garett and Brandon and Michelle. The game was against Colorada State, and they definitely gave us a good game! : ) Afterwards we went to dinner at Brick Oven...and guess who was there...that's right COSMO. Lisa and I have this secret crush on this mascot...(I know, it's weird) we've always wanted a picture with him and we FINALLY got one! Yea! Now I can die happy! ; ) Hah. Anyways, it was a great game and lots of fun memories. Maybe when Kai is older we will get season tickets!

Aw man, look at the cougar. *rawr* hah.

Off to the Zoo we go...

2009-09-27T21:50:00.000-07:00

Brandon and Michelle took Jayden to the zoo for his birthday and we got to go with them. Oh how I love the zoo. I love seeing all the animals! Garrett and I hadn't been for a couple

of years so it was exciting for both of us. We got to see all sorts of animals, but we don't have a lot of pictures because Garrett took more video then pictures (silly Garrett cameras are for pictures ;) . ) It was a beautiful day and it was fun to hangout with some of the fam!

Here are the few pictures we have:

I'm finally LeGiT! : ) Ha.

2009-09-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

So I had a birthday, shout "HOORAY"

Anyhow, I did have a birthday which makes me now 21. Pretty crazy I know. It was a relaxing birthday nothing out of the ordinary. Just hung out with family and celebrated the day of my birth ; )

Thanks to everyone who could share this day with me and for the gifts! I love you guys! : )

I'm 21 in this picture, do I look different?

Garrett got me this fantastic cake from Cold Stone, oh it was SO yummy!

Did you just say Keith Urban...?

2009-09-27T21:23:00.000-07:00

Yes! Garrett and I attended the Keith Urban concert. This was Garrett's FIRST country concert and hopefully not his last! Keith was amazing...(even if we did have some crazy drunk girls in front of us.) I definitely would see him again. He's one of those performers that pulls you into the music to make him feel what he feels. I love artists like that.

Anyways we got a few pictures from the show:

Showing off Kai... : )

2009-09-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

Oh how I love taking pictures of our beautiful little boy. I love showing him off. I love how stinkin' cute he is. I love how he makes me SO happy.

Here are some random pictures that we have been taking here and there... : )

Kai's favorite things:

Pulling himself up on things.

Laughing with daddy.

Crawling

Banging things

Playing dad's guitar

Music

Getting into mischief

Yo Gabba Gabba

Standing on his head

All his veggies

Oh how he loves to get into everything. I think he's smarter than we give him credit for. ; )

This little boy brings us SO much joy.

Sunny and beautiful St. George

2009-09-27T21:04:00.001-07:00

We got the opportunity to go to St. George about a month ago and spend sometime with my mom (Grandma Sue.) It was loads of fun, and we were just soaking up the rays...I love St. George, and it's fun for Kai to get to see Grandma Sue. While we were there we had lost our ONLY key and ended up staying there for longer than planned until our spare key could get sent to us...at the time it wasn't very funny, but looking back it was something only Garrett & I would do. : )

We weren't too good on taking pictures, but we have just a few.

Driving...oh joy.

Kai playing on Grandma Sue's computer.

Kai in my basket...he wasn't a big fan.

My cute hubby and I. : )

Boy, do I have a LOT of catching up to do... : S

2009-09-27T21:00:00.000-07:00

So I have been terrible about blogging, and SO much has been going on, but I just can't seem to find the patience/time/urge to blog...but here I am tonight finally sitting down to do it. We have had an eventful couple of months enjoying the last few weeks of summer, and the first few weeks of fall. I love this time of year...it starts off the holiday season and I absolutely LOVE the holiday season! Anyways...I promise I'll be better at posting as I go : )

Old Friends, and Good Times!

2009-07-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

We had a barbecue a couple of Saturday's ago with some good friends of ours Brian, Kelsey & Lis. We ate barbecued chicken, veggies, chips, yogurt salad. Garrett cooked all and it was DELICIOUS! We attempted to make kabobs, but it didn't turn out how we wanted at all. We'll have to try it again sometime!;) For dessert we had Yummies ice cream. I love that place! It was fun to just hang out, eat, and catch up! The weather was beautiful! We love you guys! Hope we can do stuff like this more often!! :)

Rollie Pollie Ollie...:)

2009-07-25T08:14:00.000-07:00

Kai loves to roll around, and around, and aRoUnD, and AROUND! Whenever I leave him on the ground and leave the room he is in a completely different spot clear across the room. It's rare that he rolls a ton when I am in the room. He doesn't like to show off I guess. ;)

So yesterday Garrett and I were in the other room putting up Kai's crib when in the background we could hear a muffled groan. So Garrett went in to check on Kai and he was NOWHERE to be seen. So Garrett kind of panicked for a minute when Kai's grunting started up again, he could tell it was coming from the couch....He pulled up the bottom of the couch and sure enough...There was Kai. I thought this was good enough to post. We have some before and after pictures....

This is the first stage.

(We posed him for blogging purposes.)

2nd stage.

(Posed.)

3rd stage.

(This is how we really found him.)

Oh man, this little boy keeps up laughing. Look at his face! Priceless.

My Best Friend's Wedding...Ha.

2009-07-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

One of my best girlfriends got married yesterday. We were invited to the sealing, which was a beautiful ceremony, and we were so happy that we were able to go. She had a dinner/dance and it turned out sooooo gorgeous! It was a lot of fun, and we were glad that we were able to attend this monumental moment in her life! Congratulations Natalie! We love you so much and are SO happy for you! Here a few pictures of us at the dinner!

Here's a picture of Lisa, Nat and Me.

She loooked SO beautiful!

Here's Nat and I.

Lisa and Nat.

Lisa, Nat and I being goof balls.

Lisa CAUGHT RED HANDED!

Mu ha ha ha ha. She made his dreams come true though! :]

The girl's just dancing the night away...he he.

Mr. Rhett and Mrs. Natalie Hall...wEiRd!

Me and the Hubba. Precious.

Playing catch up...

2009-07-09T12:40:00.000-07:00

So I haven't been religiously blogging like I was doing. I had been on a roll, and then my roll got flattened. Ha. Anyways. I thought I would just post a few pictures and tell you what we've been up to. We have just been enjoying this beautiful weather...we went to Deer Creek Res just to hang out, walk around and enjoy the sunshine. Here are a few pictures that Garrett had taken that day.

Then, we had the 4thofJuly. We didn't do much, just went to the iHop (our new fourth tradition) Went out to lunch with Garrett's family, and went to the Freedom Festival. It was just a nice relaxing day for all of us. Enjoying our freedom. Here are a few pictures of us that

day.

I loooooooved his little outfit!

And here are a few pictures of little Kai-Bo.

After his bath getting ready for bed...

In His BuMbO. I LOOOOVE this seat!

And this is Kai on his activity center. He likes to pull the bars and he had pulled them a little too hard and tipped the whole thing over on himself. Ha ha ha.

4 month mark!!!!...

2009-06-23T14:17:00.000-07:00

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? He is 4 months old today! I just can't believe how fast time goes. I know...4 months doesn't seem that old, but really it is! He is so active and happy. He is so much for to be with. I'm just soaking it all in, and grateful that I can be a stay at home mom.

We went to his 4 month appointment today

and the Dr. said he looked fantastic. He's tall and skinny (just like his daddy-io)

4 Month Stats:

Weight: 13 lbs. 9 oz.

Height: 25 inches

Fun facts:

Smiles like crazzzzzy.

Loves his feet.

Loves laughing at/with daddy!

He loves rolling over and from side to side.

He's almost mastered rolling from his back to his tummy.

Mastered tummy to back.

He likes to stand holding my hands.

Loves all his toys (especially his noisy book)

Cutest baby boy on the block. :)

I am just so in love with this little boy. I don't know what I'd do without him.

He is so wonderful!

Here are some recent pictures of him....

A SHOUT OUT TO ALL THE AMAZING FATHERS IN MY LIFE...!

2009-06-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

I have such amazing men in my life. Such good examples of wonderful fathers from my husband to my brothers to my father-in-law to my brother-in-law to my dad(s). I am so grateful for all of them and what they do for their families!

I LOVE YOU ALL! HOPE YOU HAD AN AMAZING FATHER'S DAY!

(below pics of the wonderful fathers)

And to my sweet husband, the father of our beautiful baby boy. Thank you for all you do for us. You mean the world to both of us. Thank you for providing for our family, for putting us first, and for loving us. You are the best dad in the world. We love you so much!

Love your cutest wife and baby in the whole entire world ever...

Kai & Me :)

Our First Dinkey Trip...Together As A Family.

2009-06-16T17:11:00.001-07:00

I recently experienced "The Boden Family" Dinkey Trip, as did Kai. Dinkey is located in part of the Sierra Nevadas in California. A beautiful, relaxing campsite in the mountains. Usually at this time of year it is a lot warmer, but this year it was FREEZING. It was rare that we saw the sun, and the nights got down into the 40's. It was still a lot of fun to go and just relax by the camp fire and hang out with family. I love my in-laws, they are such amazing people! I'm excited for next year when we go, and crossing my fingers that it'll be WARM! Kai got to experience camping hands on. Ha. As much as a little baby can, not that he'll remember. It was fun having him up there with us though, and lots of fun for Ann! She loved being able to be with him 24/7! Next year will be better when he can actually walk around and we don't have to hold him the entire time!I'm glad we were able to go, it wouldn't have been possible without Garrett's parents!

THANK YOU BOB & ANN! WE LOVE YOU GUYS! :)

Garrett was the FIRST to catch a fish ALL week!

Yea!! :)

A nice day of fishin'

A picnic on the rocks

Garrett and his Brothers Jeremy and Eric.

This is a beautiful picture taken by Garrett.

Dinkey is so beautiful.

I am so amazed at the beautiful world around me.

Kai and I chillin' by the fire!

I sometimes take for granted nature.

Until I am forced into it...

Then I realize how amazing it is.

Little Kai-Kai all bundled up. Look at that cute hat!

This is a picture of our cute little family.

On the Dinkey Creek bridge.

Randomicity of iPhoto.

2009-06-03T22:42:00.000-07:00

There are a few pictures of Kai that I've been meaning to put up, but just haven't sat down to do so. So here they are. I love this little man, I don't know what I would do without him.

He is sunshine, and sunshine makes everyo

ne happy! :) I love you little Kai!

We had gone to St. George to visit my mommy Sue. Some of these pictures were taken at her house.

This is Kai trying out his BUMBO for the first time...

He hasn't quite gotten the whole "hold your own head up" thing down yet.

He's getting better though! He's almost there! :)

This is Kai in his first "sink bath."

At our house he pretty much has his own bathtub all to himself.

He actually enjoyed getting bathed this way as you can tell.

This is Kai in our kitchen drawer.

Don't worry I didn't leave him there by himself.

I had to put him down, and he wouldn't let me set him anywhere...

So I tried the drawer and he was perfectly content.

Go figure.

This face never gets old.

Gotta love him.

I DID IT!

2009-06-03T22:23:00.000-07:00

I'm done with school completely! Graduated and everything!

It was a long journey, but it was worth it!

I'm grateful for the education I have and if needs be I can use it in the future.

School is not fun, and is hard, but is very rewarding if you just follow through...

I'm just happy to be done! :)

Thank you for all who came to my graduation!

LOVE YOU GUYS!

Me in my beautiful cap and gown.

My good friend Lillian and I.

It's official...at least upon the church records "Malakai Ashton Boden"

2009-05-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Kai was recently blessed on May 3, 2009. I think I was more nervous than Garrett was. I wasn't even the one blessing him! I was worried he would forget his name, so before he went up...I whispered to him "Malakai Ashton Boden" he just laughed. It was a beautiful blessing.

I love hearing Garrett give blessings!

Kai was quiet during the WHOLE thing! :)

I'm so grateful for a worthy priesthood holder in my home

and for all that he does for our family!

I LOVE YOU GARRETT-Y CHAD BODEN!

Thank you to all who were in the circle and who came and supported this milestone in his life! We are so grateful for our family and friends that are always there for us! Thank you Teresa for having us over afterwards! WE LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH! :)

I'm so grateful for Kai for the wonderful spirit he has. For the beautiful little boy he is. For his smiles! I love you baby Kai! :)

Here are few pictures of the event, and then some more just for fun!

Landen, Garrett, Kai & Brandon

Eric, Garrett, Kai, Garett, Allan & Bob

My two favorite guys in the world! He is such an amazing dad!

Garrett, Kai & I.

Cute little man!

Kai & Mommy!

I Have Been Blessed...

2009-04-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

I have a beautiful life.

An amazing husband.

A gorgeous little boy.

An eternal family.

I can't picture my life any other way.

The importance of family has a whole new meaning.

I look at our little boy and all I can see is perfection.

What a sweet, wonderful spirit we are blessed to have in our home.

I love knowing that if I live my life following Christ.

I will have my family FOREVER.

Wow. Forever. A celestial family.

I realize each morning when I wake up how blessed I am. How amazing my life is, and how each day seems better than the last. I count my blessings each and everyday and thank my Heavenly Father for all that he has given me.

This is a short blog, but I just wanted to write a little bit. :)

Happy Anniversary To Us...:)

2009-04-05T09:48:00.000-07:00

Garrett and I had our 1 year this past Friday. April 3.

Wow.

A year flew by, I just can't believe how fast it went.

Time sees to fly even faster now that we have Kai.

Well anyways, by the time our Anniversary was here, I didn't have anything planned.

I just get so side tracked with Kai that I didn't really have time to plan.

I had thought of going somewhere to eat up in Salt Lake, but conference was this weekend and it would've been really busy with everyone who has traveled to be here so I decided against that. The night before came and I decided I would do something different for us since we couldn't really go out, or go anywhere.

I wrote an invitation out and gave it to Garrett to invite him to a home cooked romantic evening.

The invitation read:

You are cordially invited to:

OUR ANNIVERSARY

Oh and dinner.

It will be at our house.

We have a baby.

Don't be late.

Please dress for the occasion.

Or should I say undress...?

Just kidding

that's gross.

Please come dressed.

I'll be preparing something good to eat.

(Act Surprised!)

Or maybe you'll be helping me.

I'm not a very good cook...

Please come.

I don't want to spend our Anniversary alone.

Alright. I love you.

See you soon.

So my original plan was to put that in his car or somewhere so he would get it before he left to work...but that day... he never left for work. So I ended up just deciding that we would cook dinner together and make a night out of it. It was really fun to just hangout cook, and reminisce. We cooked Linguine with Shrimp (very yummy!) and Roasted Asparagus (not that great) and we also made Jalapeno Pepper Appetizers (which were delicious). It was just a special night that we could remember why we love each other. I just am so grateful for such a

wonderful husband. He means the world to me. He always puts our family first and I'm so thankful for that. He is my best friend and I don't know where I would be without him. I love you Garrett! So here are a few pictures of our Anniversary dinner..

Simple, but sweet. We ate by candlelight, and a little mood music in the background. It was very relaxing and quiet. For dessert we borrowed Michelle's chocolate fountain (Thanks Michelle!) and ate till we were sick!

I wanted to post Garrett's video he made for me (it's super cute & creative!) he doesn't want me to until he adds more to it, but I'm impatient so I'll post the one he did for me now, and then when he adds more to it, I'll post that later! :)

Thank you so much for this Garrett, I loved every bit of it! You are amazing!

I LOVE YOU! :)

I guess it's about time I blog...

2009-04-01T17:11:00.000-07:00

MALAKAI ASHTON BODEN

So I've been pretty bad at blogging, but I now have more things to blog about, or just more things that I can show off. :)

Malakai Ashton Boden. The most beautiful thing I've set my eyes on. I don't understand how you can love someone so much. A love that I can't even explain. The feeling I get each time I look at his little face. I love seeing me in him. I love seeing Garrett in him.

Our little Malakai is growing each day. I love being at home with him, and watching the changes in him. He is so beautiful, and such a blessing both of our lives.

He has begun to stay awake more hours of the day, so I get to look at his big brown eyes.

He knows my voice and follows me with his eyes as I move around the house to get things done.

These simple little things make my day! I love his little noises. His coos and ahhs and all of his other little squeaks he will make throughout the day. I love to watch him sleep.

We have tummy time with him and he picks up his head and moves it side to side. He doesn't like to be on his tummy for too long, but we enjoy watching him.

We also like to sit him up on the couch. Today it was so cute...I had him sitting up on the couch and he just fell asleep sitting up. It was so funny to see him on the couch in the corner sleeping sitting up.

All the little things he does are so cute, and fun to watch. I can't believe how much he's grown in the past 5 weeks. Wow. 5 weeks flew by I don't even know where all that time went to. It really does fly by so much faster when you have kids.

Kai has sure grown so much in these past weeks, he gets cuter and cuter each day.

I love each stage he goes through, and I'm excited for more!

But don't worry, I am definitely soaking up and enjoying each day!

Halloween Fun.

2008-11-03T09:09:00.001-08:00

This year Garrett and I carved pumpkins for the first time together. To be honest...I think this was the first time I've actually finished a pumpkin. I usually get impatient or discouraged because my pumpkin never looks good or I ruin it. But I was determined this year to finish. I picked one of the easiest carvings out of the book. It only took me like 20 minutes! I was happy to be finished! And I think it turned out rather nice! Garrett did a hard one...and he almost didn't finish it because it was not working out, but we ended up finishing it a day before Halloween! These are some pictures of us and our pumpkins! Those are our cute His & Hers aprons that we hadn't worn until then.

This is the final products. Garrett's is the

Trick or Treat one and mine is the Ghost.

I love dressing up for Halloween even if I'm not going anywhere, it's just fun! Garrett and I decided to be hippies this year. I loved our costumes, and I needed something big enough so that my stomach would be covered. We didn't really do much on Halloween Night mostly hung out with the family and had our traditional Ham Chowder which was one of the best parts of the night! Here are a few pictures of us in our costumes.

Californ-I-A!!

2008-10-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

So this past week we went to California on a family vacation this was one of my last minute decisions...It was everyone besides Garrett and Tara. We missed them a lot! I especially missed Garrett...of course! But the vacation was still fun! We went to Universal Studios, Disneyland and SeaWorld! My favorite part of all of it was Disneyland...! It was fun to be with everyone in the hot weather too! My other favorite part was being with all the characters! I'm so excited for when I can take our little kids to Disneyland! It was fun being with the kids and seeing all of their reactions to everything! I'm glad that I got to go on this vacation! Next family vacation...I want to go on a cruise!! (Hint Hint) :)

In the first pictures it's of Curious George and I.

He was sooo cute!

Then a Dole Whip and myself! Those are the best thing in the WORLD!

(I think that was the biggest reason I went) ;)

Then Minnie and I...as you can tell I have a belly now!

Then Mickey and I. He was in his cute Halloween costume!

Then Aladdin and I...I was embarrassed to get a picture by myself so I had Alli come with me:)

Then that's some of the family at Universal Studios in front of a Freddie Cougar Poster.

And the gender of the baby is...

2008-10-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

A BOY! Well I know most of you know by now...and it's taken me so long to post this because I've wanted to scan in the ultrasound pictures and I haven't had a scanner, and I keep forgetting to bring them with me when I go to Michelle's. So I decided to not wait any longer and just post! Garrett and I are very excited! At first I really wanted a girl...but as it got closer to the ultrasound I just wanted a healthy baby! And as far as the doctor can tell He's doing well, and growing properly! Garrett and I have felt very blessed! I am feeling pretty good most days... just tired mostly but other than that everything is going great! We have 3 names we really like...but nothing is set in stone.

The names are...

1. Kai

2. Lucas

3. Ashton

Garrett is really liking the name Channing...I can't decide what I think about it...

Keep in mind all these names go with the last name Boden. Tell me what you think and if you have an cute boy names that you want me to steal...give 'em up!

I'll post pictures of the Ultrasound soon...for awhile at the beginning of the ultrasound he wouldn't give it up...then finally he just POW! Opened his legs and it was revealed...he he:)

That's all for now!

My puppy Koda!

2008-09-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

So it's been awhile since I've blogged. I thought I might add a couple things.
My birthday was on Wednesday. I turned 20. Yahoo. I'm not a teenager anymore:)
And for that 20th birthday...my wonderful husband got me a....PUPPY!!!
He's a black lab and he's 9 weeks old! We named him Koda. It's from Brother Bear.
I've already become so attached to him! He's a little hard to handle at times and it's
like having a child around. I'm always saying no, and taking him to the bathroom...
feeding him, playing with him...he's also very expensive!...but he's totally worth it!
...I guess it's good preparation...in a weird way.
But I love him! Here are a few pictures of him the night we got him.
As you can tell...he's freakin' cute! I'm glad Garrett finally gave in and just got
us a dog. I needed some company. Thanks Garrett! :)

That's all I have to say for now...

I'm pretty sure I married prince charming.

2008-09-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

So I've been thinking a lot lately and I'm pretty sure I married prince charming... you know the one...THEE PRINCE CHARMING...! The one that every girl dreams about marrying. Yeah I'm pretty sure Garrett is him. :) He is the best person. He is always there when I need him, and knows how to make me smile when I'm feeling down. I've noticed lately that I haven't quite been myself, it could just be that I'm pregnant and emotional. Garrett always seems to know how to make me feel better. Even if he doesn't do anything. I love how he's just there. I swear sometimes I'm in a movie. I feel like one of the movie screen couples. He always knows just the right thing to say to me. He loves parts of me that I think are my flaws. He says the cutest things. He's so excited about everything baby. He talks to my tummy and I love that. He calls me beautiful (Every girl needs to hear that at least once a day) even when I look like this.He buys me mint chocolate chip ice cream when that's the only thing that sounds good. He loves to cook. (Yes, I can get breaks from making dinner:) He listens to me complain. He makes me laugh. He sings to me if I have a hard time falling asleep. He loves country music. He's excited about being a daddy. He has the best hugs (if you don't believe me...you should hug him) ;) He takes me places when I feel like I've been home too much. He does the dishes. (I swear I've only done them 3 times since we've been married.) He ALWAYS says thank you when I do laundry, cook, clean, anything!...He makes me feel like the prettiest girl ever. He laughs at my dumb jokes. He worries about me. He always smiles. He's my best friend. He is such a good example. He's a worthy priesthood holder, and I'm so grateful for that. . Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky. Garrett is one of the many blessings in my life that I am so grateful for, and I love him so much.There are probably a million other things I could put on here, but I know this could be boring for some I just thought that I would brag about him a little bit...:)

Our baby!

2008-08-15T10:48:00.000-07:00

Well I haven't written for awhile. So I thought I might update everyone on what's going on.
We have been really busy with school and work and just family stuff. Yesterday we got to listen to the babies heart beat! That was soooo amazing! I was so excited. The Dr. said it sounded healthy and that everything looks great so far. I'm so excited to find the gender of the baby. I don't know how people wait to find out! It's killing me to have to wait 7 more weeks! I'm really wanting a girl, but if I get a boy, I'm obviously going to be very happy about it! Garrett changes his mind on what he wants every other day. One minute he'll want a boy, the next he'll want a girl. He's very indecisive. Well this weekend we are throwing Brian a birthday party which I am very excited for! There will be pictures posted of that soon. Well I just wanted to write a little entry and keep you a little updated on what's going on!

News....

2008-07-23T16:49:00.001-07:00

So guess what everyone...
yep I'm PREGNANT!Pretty crazy I know...and it's funny that I'm telling everyone this way.
Mostly only close friends and family know so far...
But now that wonderful world of bloggers know too!
I'm only 10 weeks along, and just getting over the morning sickness.
Or so I hope...
Well that's the only thing I have to say today.

2008-07-10T17:02:00.001-07:00

Everyone I changed my blog address so I wasn't leaving Garrett out of it...ha ha ha
so it is now...agboden.blogspot.com!

There is so much to tell...but never enough time.

2008-07-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

So I'm taking this time out of this beautiful Thursday to update my blog.

And to figure out how to make mine all cutesy! It's hard to find time during the week to just sit down and do this. We recently moved into our house that we will be in for awhile and we are very excited about it! Garrett and I have been married for a little over 3 months now...man time flies by so fast. There is so much to tell that I can't even remember it all. We've done so much in the last 3 months.

Let's see what has happened...well Garrett and I have been going places almost every weekend since we've been married. About a month ago we went to this amazing Resort called The Zermatt. We went with Garett, Lisa, Brandon, and Michelle.
It was a blast! We swam, hung out in the sauna, played in the cool bathrooms with the cool showers, and pretty much pigged out! We got to go to Park City and Michelle and I rode the zip line! IT WAS AMAZING!!!!:)This is all of us in front of The Zermatt.

We went camping the next weekend. We went with Brandon and Michelle. It was so much fun! I love going places with those guys, it's always an adventure. It had snowed Saturday morning, but that didn't stop us from going fishing. Michelle was the only one to catch a fish that day, it was a big one too! Garrett got to shoot guns for the first time in his life. That was fun to watch. He was actually pretty darn good at shooting those clay pigeons. He also got the fire started the first night for us. Oh how I love my mountain man husband;)
This is Alli, Aubrey and I in the fire pit that Garrett dug
All by himself! He looks like he's going to kill me.
I promise...he's not that creepy once you get to know him!

Camping is probably one of my favorite things to do during the summer.
Well another one of Garrett and I's favorite things to do during the summer is to go to the Orem Owlz games! We haven't been to as many as I'd like to, but we did get to go the opening game which was intense!

As you can tell by Andie's cheeks! IT WAS HOT!

This is Garrett and I on our way to St. George.
This is me kicking Garrett's butt at Dance Dance!
Garrett and I got the opportunity of going to St. George a couple of weeks ago to go and see my mom get baptized! That was a lot of fun!
And this is Garrett on the bumper boats after being attacked by little kids!
These are all the tickets we one so we could get a bear!
Pretty sweet I know! We won 2,2002! That's more than I've ever won!

So there is just a few more things to add about all of our summer fun we've been having!
We got to attend the UVU celebration and the concert was AMAZING!!
We got to see Josh Gracin, Collin Raye, and Joe Nichols perform!Here's a picture of Josh Gracin! He was very good live!
This was us right before the show started on the 4th of July!
Ok...so I have a confession to make....Garrett and I went to the Miley Cyrus concert...Stadium of Fire...and WE LOVED IT! Don't tell anyone, but Garrett has a secret crush on Hannah Montana;) He he he.
Here she is...Miley Cyrus!

Well I think that about sums up Garrett and I's summer for now...I'm sure there will be more to add sooner than I want...ha ha ha. I'm trying to make a goal of updating this every week. So hopefully I don't get that far behind again. I really enjoy blogging, I just wish that I could figure out how to make mine all cute and stuff like everyone else's. I'll figure it out soon enough...until then I think I've said enough....

A Beautiful Day....

2008-05-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

These are some more pictures from the wedding. We just got them back yesterday so I was so excited to put them on here. It was such a beautiful day and we were so blessed. I'm grateful for my family and all that they did to help me with the wedding. Without them it wouldn't have turned out the way it did. Garrett and I are so grateful for such wonderful people around us and we love them so much. Here are some pictures hope you enjoy...in no particular order....This is Garrett, myself, and my dad.
We were soooo happy to see him! I love him.

My beautiful sister Lisa, and I.
I love her so much and am so
grateful I have her in my life!

The Reflection Pool

Laurs, Landen and I. What would I do without Laurie?
She made everything so beautiful. I am so blessed to have
a sister like her.

Brian and I. I love him so much!

It was so bright that we were squinting!

Eric, Garrett, Jeremy, and Bob

Minus 2 Boden Boys

Ty & I. I'm sooo happy he came!

Yes, I did have fish in my centerpieces:)

I just though this was a cute picture.

The temple is so beautiful.

Ty, Brooke, Emma, and myself. (The O'Steen's)

Aubrey, Andie,Alli and I.

This shot was soooo cool!

Allan, Teresa, Garrett, and I, Bob, and Ann
All such wonderful parents. :)I pretty much love this picture.The girls! Natalie, Michelle,Lisa, Myself, Laurie, and Tara
I loved my bridesmaid dresses.
I love these girls.
What would I do without them?
Garrett, Ron, My mom and I.This is just a cool picture.I like this one because it
shows my dress:)The best seat in the house!The whole family.
Garrett and I are so blessed to have all of these
wonderful people in our lives who we love so dearly.
Thank you everyone who helped with the wedding!
We love you guys so much!

I'm Falling Behind. This Is Harder Than I Thought...

2008-05-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

So I've realized how fast time flies...I sometimes find it hard to find a moment to breathe in the busyness of people's lives. A lot has happened in the last few weeks and I'm excited to update on this. Garrett and I took the kids to feed the ducks...I have NEVER seen them that hungry. A duck took a piece of bread from Garrett's hand...that is the closest I've seen them come. It was very fun, and the kids had a blast too. I love hanging out with the kids!

So my sister Lisa was recently married. May 15th, 2008 in the Manti Temple. It was such a beautiful day...very windy, but still beautiful. She also looked beautiful. I'm so happy for her and all that is happening in her life.

On May 17th one of my best friends Tara...moved to California. I know it's not forever, but I'm still very sad about it and I miss her a lot. Her birthday happened to be on the 16th of May so Garrett and I decided to throw her a going away/birthday party. It was really fun! We played rock band, ate pizza and watched the Jazz lose (a very sad game.) It was just a bunch of old friends and we had a lot of laughs!

What else has happened...well let's see...
I've had the past week off from school. It was a good break for me. Sometimes school is too much and I just need time off to clear my mind. Now I'm back in school and ready for a new term.

On Saturday we went to Lagoon. It was soooo much fun. I wasn't expecting Garrett to come. He's a scaredy cat...:) But we'll keep that on the DL. But he went and he had fun, at least that's what he tells me. It was fun to just get out and hang out all day! I love Lagoon, and I'm soooo excited for Disneyland with the family. Family Vacations are the best!

Well that's all for now...I'm sure there will be many more adventures to come...:)

The Beginning of My Blogging Life.

2008-05-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

So I'm starting what they call a "blog."
My sister Laurie has one of these and they
are actually quite cool. I'm just going to
back track a bit, and update on the many
wonderful and exciting things that have been
happening in my life.

First off, you know those families that everyone dreams about?
They type of family that is so amazing you can't even explain it.
That's my family. I love my family more than anything and in February.
I was sealed to them for time and ALL eternity.
Now if that isn't cool...I don't know what is. This picture was taken at the Manti Temple right after the sealing!:)

Secondly...I was recently married in April. April 3rd, 2008 to be exact.
I know everyone says marriage is the best. And it is. It's not easy, but it's totally worth it.
I love my husband and I'm so happy that we can be together forever! Here are some pictures (bridals and the day of)

As you can tell the wedding went beautifully. I couldn't have asked for a better day.
You know how they say you wait all this time for your wedding and dreaming it up...mine was exactly how I pictured it...if not better. I will probably be posting a few more pictures from the wedding when I get them back. :) Well anyways...enough about that...what else is going on...?

I'm attending school as of now. I am in the Medical Assisting Program. Which has it's ups and downs. I will be graduating next January sometime. Not too far from now.:)

NEXT week. One of my best friends/sister...is getting married! (pictures will be up soon.)

I'm so excited for her. She has so much to look forward to.
We get to go the the Timpanogas Temple tomorrow
which I'm looking forward to so much! I love the temple. Well anyways.
I feel myself just babbling, but these are some of the major events...well three major events
that have happened are happening in my life as of now.
I've come to realize the most important thing in life is family.
A lesson well learned.
Life is nothing to complain about. Just a long walk with lots a bumps and turns.