Once in a Lifetime Events

WELL in case you didn't know our family had a SUPER exciting weekend and one filled with "once-in-a-lifetime events" I decided! :)
1. Amber had her third boy, Avin Michael at 4:31 a.m. on November 22!!

2. Bud proposed to Charlotte, and she said YES. My first Madsen sister-in-law. We are SOoo excited.
Amber with Avin Michael right after delivery--very sweet. Amber did so well-all natural as usual...what a trooper! It was so special to be there and kind-of gave me a heads up to what will happen to me in a few months.


Justin holding baby Avin. Cute.

Amber in between contractions.

Me in between contractions :) A little more relaxed though. ;)

My first and only Madsen Sister-in-law...to be ;) Charlotte will be such a wonderful addition to our family! We love her to pieces. They got engaged on November 21st.

Me and Amby before her baby...kind-of once in a lifetime event...but hopefully not the last time we're both prego at the same time. :) This was last week when I was 16 weeks-now I am 17 weeks. You can see my little baby bump developing.

My Sweet Husband

I have to brag about my SWEET husband. Last week I was completely spoiled and I must admit, I LOVED it, but I love my husband more. :) He woke me up each morning with TOAST and/or CEREAL with Orange Juice!

We then had scripture study in the morning too-Each morning I woke up so excited for the day [which is miraculous due to my normal non-morning mentality] and so grateful for my husband. Braden is such a great example to me and a wonderful husband. I am SO lucky to be his wife. I love you sweetheart!

Here are just some random pics of Brade :)


Braden is..... someone I can be goofy with!

...A wonderful brother and son...

..A wonderful friend...

...A fun dinner date...

and a wonderful companion and HOT husband!

To Tricia!

Happy late Birthday to Trish the Dish!! Tricia has ALWAYS been an example to me and all she is around. Tricia is a great DAUGHTER--she always makes mom and dad feel loved and makes time for all of her family!!

Tricia is a great SISTER!! Trish always is SO fun to talk with and to get advice from-a perfect older sister...Trish also always gives me great work out tips and cooking tips which we both love to do....although I haven't worked out for quite some time now...but I plan to soon ;) Tricia also is SO great at complimenting people and helping others feel loved. Everyone loves to TALK to and be around Tricia because of her energy and love for life.

Lastly, Trish is a great Wife and mom! She would do anything for Clay and the kids and that is evident with what a tight-knit family they are. I hope that I can be half the mom that Trish is.

Anyway, I LOVE you Trish and am SO glad that you are my sister! I know that you are my sister for a reason and as I get older I appreciate more and more all the tid-bits I have learned from you all my life and continue to learn from you. You really are a special person and example. Love you and thanks for being you!

P.S. I definitely got emotional while writing this...pregnant emotions, but still real emotions :)-Braden is still getting used to it too like me! :)

Halloween 2009

As you can see Braden and I decided to be Popeye and Olive Oil this year! It was the quickest thing ever to get ready...and we only had to buy a $2.99 Sailor Hat. He is wearing his Russian tinyeshki....that's how it sounds anyway (Russian shirt that looks like a sailor shirt). Isn't Braden a handsome Popeye? He's perfect-look at his face.Such a hottie! :)

Olive Oil is checking out Popeye's big forearms...Yes, they are socks! Braden thought of that too so that they would stay in his three quarter sleeves without assistance. :)

Our friends Melissa and Brock at their Halloween party! Brock was a mad chemist...or in his words a mad chemist space man...I think! :) And Melissa was a Halloween woman in her black and orange and did match cute Cohen in his Tiger outfit...but in this picture he was ready to go to sleep. He's such a cutie.

Mostly us and a little of our pumpkins. :)

Braden's scary big pumpkin and my little wimpy one. I take about 3 times as long as Braden to scoop out and carve my pumpkin, so I opted for a SMALL pumpkin this year. I also decided to do a moon and star because my attemptive scary faces always look awkward and less than scary! Side note: What's up with uploading pictures on blogs and having all the letters instead of seeing the picture...this is weirding me out...I hope I'm commenting on the right pictures.... maybe it's just my computer acting weird...???

"Mrs. Boyer" with some of my students. I decided to be a witch since I knew Olive Oil was not in the same generation as my students...plus, Olive is nothing without Popeye. :) Aren't my students darling?


Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween! It was so fun-we got our Halloween fill by going to the Kitchen's Halloween get together and sleeping over at my in-laws and watching a movie 'til the wee hours of the morning...just to make sure we used up our extra hour for Daylight Savings. ;)

Happy Halloween from the Boyers and the Madsens

Check us out. Copy and paste this link!

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/9dpU7AIejPtPjFqR

Let me know what ya'll thought. :) I was bored this morning...my kids all had classroom parties...so this is what I was up to.

The Boyer Baby Announcement

There the baby is, can you see "it"? :)

My mom has finally got over the shock so she decided to take pictures in our shirts that we announced that we were going to be a mommy and daddy in! Super cheap-just iron on. We actually saw a printed shirt that said "This is what a cool dad looks like" (and "This is what a cool mom looks like") when we were in California for $25 bucks each! We decided that whenever I got pregnant we'd just make the shirts for cheaper.
My family took a while to react and really get it...they just couldn't believe it. And I was trying to be straight faced to not give it away, so it was pretty funny! We did the same thing for Braden's family and they got it right away. Braden's idea-he always comes up with really creative ideas for events like this! :)

Me at 13 weeks along with Brade at the Draper house.

This is my sister in law Marissa and I showing our pregnant bellies last night. We are within 2 weeks of eachother, but she is pregnant with TWINS!! How exciting. Even though I'm a tiny bit ahead of her I bet we will end up going at just around the same time since she has double the fun! It's so fun having someone to talk to as we are sharing the sick phase together. :)

Angels to Watch over me!

So I am 12 1/2 weeks now, but still not able to cook without getting sick/or do the dishes...some
I can, but some get me..Yes, my handsome husband has lost 12 LBS. since I've been pregnant...yes-I feel totally guilty! Anyway, SO last week I wasn't feeling so hot and kind-of emotionally and physically drained and I got a blessing from Braden and I can't remember the "exact"phrase he said, but it was something to the effect of-
God would send angels through people and friends to help me.
I just want to say THANK YOU to so many who have helped me lately and/or offered to help and I've been so out of it I haven't even texted back due to probably not feeling well and then forgetting. I'm just so flaky randomly these days. (But I still SO appreciate it and am trying to get better with my phone again) You have been angels in my life and fulfilled that blessing!
Here are some incredible blessings I've received lately:
1-Last week-My mom and grandma came and washed my dishes for 1 HOUR and 15 MINUTES--yes, it was pretty dang bad. It was such a load off of my mind and SO helpful.
2-Last week-my friend Shannon dropped a sweet note on our door and offered to bring us dinner sometime. I needed strength and comfort that day and her note was such a necessary light.
3- Monday, my sister Tricia came by with 2 huge bags of frozen meats I could put in the oven and cook easily without getting sick with 2 baked potatoes, carrots, and homemade cookies! We had dinner that night.
4-Tuesday-A friend from the ward, Jana, followed me to drop off my car to the car shop and THEN brought me dinner last night!
5-Then, as a result of having no car, -Tuesday-my mom and grandma dropped off my mom's Sequoya at my school to borrow...and today-Wednesday-came and picked up my car and are arriving to drop it off soon.
6-Tuesday-The Bishopric came by to "see how I was doing" :) because Bishop had noticed I was pale last week at church...so I told them I was pregnant and they just visited and checked up on me. It meant a lot to know how much they care and notice. Side note: Yeah this pale thing happened so quickly..bronzer doesn't suffice...it's like this automatic, inevitable consequence of pregnancy. :) All worth it though-baby sucks the blood right out of me I guess!
7-Wednesday-My visiting teacher heard I was sick (didn't know I was pregnant yet) and dropped by unannounced with a daisy and pumpkin with a casserole in it you eat with the pumpkin-darling! AND she stayed and did the dishes with me.
8-Then ALSO today (Wednesday) a friend from the ward emailed me this morning (husband of a bishopric member) and asked if she could bring me dinner tonight and I said yes (of course) and she delivered yummy dinner with 2 sides-looks so good!!! So we have 2 days of dinner. I think we'll eat this one tonight...it just looks as though it will hit the spot!
9-Wednesday-Today, I have one of the worst head aches I've had since I can remember and last minute I got a substitute half day and came home and got some extra rest. The Lord is SO blessing me. Thank heavens for last minute subs and answered prayers.
10-Wednesday-My mom just came by with a TON of groceries since I haven't made it there. Wow-so needed...and I am so glad.

As you can see this week especially so far, I have been so blessed and I just want to tell the WORLD how grateful I am for all of ya'lls support. I cannot express how grateful I am and how much I have needed this help. At times I feel so helpless and I have discovered that when we talk to people and let them know we need help, or they find out without even telling them, people are there willing and ready to serve. God watches over us and does send angels to watch over us!

I'm Pregnant!!

Guess what? I'm pregnant! I've been waiting to tell my family until I told the world and I just told them last night...pretty sure they are in shock. I am 11 weeks and 1 day today. My due date is May 2, 2010.

Here is a pic that is unrelated, but I just am not intrigued at posts without at least one picture....
FUTURE Mommy and Daddy

I am so excited to be ALMOST done with my first trimester...well 3 weeks ish. While I am not half as sick as some other people-aka-my sweet cousin Rachel-but, I still am anxious to start digesting normally...but am grateful for my experience and opportunity to be pregnant way more than the minor inconveniences.

I throw up about every other day--4 times a week ish. I lost about 8 pounds but now am on the uphill...almost up to my starting weight..only down 3 1/2 pounds ish...so I'm almost back to normal. Here are some fun public places that I have embarrassingly enough had to throw up.

BORDERS-- this was by far the worst public one cuz there were lots of people in there.
MOUNT MAHOGANY ELEMENTARY-The school I work at of course :)
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY- I had a literacy cohort there.

Hopefully these are the only public places left-ha. It creates some "fond" memories though that is for sure! ;) I ALSO can't wait to be able to cook again.... food has been probably the hardest thing...because I feel like a bad wife and it's really challenging when you can't feed your husband, clean, cook, etc.! Can't wait to be able to do that again more consistently.

We are so grateful to prepare for a family and to know everything is well. (We just heard the heart beat last week!)

Cinnamon Rolls!

So my sweet friend Amanda (who is on her mission now) taught me her secret family recipe for cinnamon rolls about 1 year ago. Braden has been happy that she did! I'm not going to lie, these are pretty dang good with a lot of calories to go with it. :)

I have made it a family tradition for Braden and I that every general conference weekend I'll make them.
So here they are! Here's to cooking, cinnamon rolls, and secret family recipes. :)

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

A cookie recipe I love!
Sooo I saw this yummy recipe on a cooking blog I like (thanks to my sister-in-law) For the Love of Cooking..and I had to try it. I'm not going to lie, I'm not big on my cookies generally-although my sweet husband always acts like my cookies are the best but I am never satisfied with them once I start adding chocolate chips and such.
BUT, guess what? I approved of these cookies and loved them! Super easy and SO good.

Here's the recipe:
1/2 C. butter (melted-15 sec. microwave is what worked for me)
1/3 C. sugar
1/2 C. Peanut Butter
1/3 C. Light Brown Sugar
1 Egg
1/2 t. Vanilla
1 C. all-purpose flour
1/2 t. Baking soda
1 C. oats
3/4 C. Chocolate Chips (optional-but I think necessity!)
Preheat 375.
Combine butter and sugar in large mixing bowl until fluffy.
Add P.B. and brown sugar, beating until combined.
Add egg and vanilla. Then add Flour and soda.
Stir in Oats and chocolate chips.
Finally, scoop balls of cookie dough and place 2 inches apart on UNgreased cookie sheets. 8-12 minutes. The website said 8-10..but mine ended up taking about 11 or 12 minutes each.

Try it out and let me know what you think!

What makes a physically attractive man?!

So Braden and I had an interesting conversation in the car together this past weekend and that is, "WHAT MAKES AN ATTRACTIVE MAN?"

I find it hard to believe that EVERY time we see a movie or there is a new actor or guy friend dating someone/ whatever-Braden asks me, "Is he attractive?" I am like, "What do you mean? You can tell is he's cute or not!"
He says that he can't and we talked about it for like 2 hours and debated. Ha.

So, Brade told me that every girl has such different tastes that there isn't a universal type of goodlooking guy and that girls can like ANYONE regardless of their looks. SOOoo he doesn't know what "criteria" [if you will] makes a cute guy or not. I just CAN'T understand that. No perception or guess if a man is attractive...he really can't tell? And believe me he ALWAYS asks me and I believe him now! Guys know about girls...so my continued befuddlement is what began our long conversation/superficial yet entertaining debate.

So I told him that there still is some kind of common "hot" or attractive guy...so I came home and showed him several different good-looking actors: Matthew McConaughey, Orlando Bloom, Will Smith, Jude Law, Zac Effron, and then Johnny Depp in Pirates. (sorry he just is and that movie-and so many girls would agree right?)

After my random assortment of people (just off the top of my head of course) he was like, "My point exactly!" All completely different, nothing is the same or consistent.....

Still frustrated at my unproved point, I started looking up websites physically attractive male attributes/what makes a man attractive, etc. And what pulls up? The typical and so true female answers. What makes a man attractive is when he is 1-good with kids, 2-sensitive 3-helps me around the house, etc. etc. I even specifically typed PHYSICALLY attractive and these types of responses popped up.

The closest I found was one that said a symetrical face. And I said-SEE that is PHYSICAL. So then Braden and I went to the dollar movie and he pointed out every guy with a symetrical face and asked me if they were attractive....unfortunately they did not fit the attemptive "attractive" profile...so I was and still am back at square one. So come on ladies...let's be shallow for a second and try to come up with some "definition."

Here's my attempt:

1. Defined jaw/bone structure
2. Masculine looking somehow--shoulders/face/something
3.Nice smile.

Braden still claims that these are too diverse and not concrete enough....but those are all of the physical things I can come up with....AND of course all of the other personality things naturally trickle in as well....BUT we're not focusing on those.

HELP ME OUT LADIES!! WHAT MAKES AN ATTRACTIVE MAN?

Remembering summer part 1....and.....

When we were camping we hiked up to Bridal Vale Falls..or however you spell it. Wore our bathingsuits and all since we wanted to get wet!

There is Braden in the waterfall. It is harder and colder than it looks!!! :)

Holy my quads look gigantic in this picture...but I was too cold and scared of slipping to pose apparently. That's the best I could get ;)

A game of my childhood I converted Braden to! Mastermind. :) So fun! A thinking game. We played this camping too...

Family Pics with the Boyers!

Setting up camp.

Our tent!

The Boyer boys!

Remembering Summer Part 2

I just was thinking back to summer SOOo long ago.. :) But Braden and I hiked the Y one Saturday morning. It wasn't HALF as bad as my first time with Amber when I was living in Texas and it was my first time to hike. I thought I was going to die. This time I expected to die, and I didn't and it was fun! :)

The view from the top of the Y. Cement poured onto rocks...I think that is what the sign said. It actually is pretty steep even sitting there.

"Y"

Where's Braden? Can you find him? Good times. We had such a fun summer.

Netflix

So, I must say Braden and I had a WONDERFUL experience with out Netflix free trial. I recommend it to ANYONE in the world...is that dramatic enough for you? But seriously. So it ended up being like our homework the last 2 weeks of summer to watch our movie the day we got it and send it back. So here are some of the movies [the ones I can remember] that we watched and my ratings on them :)

How Netflix Works at a Glance

You click which movie you want to see online.
In 2 days it is in your mail box.
[We had 2 going at a time-every other day]
AND any day you don't have a movie--or if you turn them in on same day or whatever you can watch a plethora of movies instantly online on your laptop!!!

Movies we watched-Instant and by DVD.

1. Coraline--B+
K, granted it is kinda funky like Night Before Christmas...or whatever that movie is-same writer-but unlike our double date friends and my husband I thought it was interesting and creative and it kept me going...so judge it yourself, I realize for this one I may be on my own opinion-wise. Although, I DO have good taste! ;)
2. 6 days, 7 nights--A
Oldie but a goody.
3. Pearl Harbor--A+
I ALWAYS forget how good this movie is. One of my ultimate favorites I think. Very good. Watch it again and you'll remember.
4. Serendipity--A
Fun, cute, and light. Hadn't seen it for a few years so fun to watch again.
5. Night at the Museum-A-
Very cute; this is just one of those movies that for some reason I like but get fulfilled on with watching it once....still cute if you haven't seen it and even if you have..I'm just weird that way sometimes with movies.
6. Clear and Present Danger-A-
We went on a Harrison Ford marathon and I liked all of them. However this one we stopped early when we were both really liking it. Good and engaging, but some bad language.
7. The Fugitive-A+++
Oh my goodness-I LOVED this movie. Where has it been all my life? Very good! Favorite Harrison Ford one yet for me.
8. Obsessed-F
I couldn't stand this movie...just the obsessiveness of the girl going after Beyonce's husband. I hated the thoughts of it and felt bad after because I put myself in her shoes..too dark and crazy for me. I don't recommend it.
9. Seven Pounds- B
Definitely no Pursuit of Happyness for me. Pursuit is DEFINITELY better. This was also a little too much for me. STill well done, just not for me.

...Okay I am DEFINITELY missing some... I can't remember anymore...But check this out and get a free trial for 2 weeks. You might as well!!!

Our Anniversary Weekend+Recipe for Jessica

So we just had our year anniversary last weekend so I thought I'd finally update the blog! Sweet Braden COMPLETELY surprised me and blindfolded me and brought me to Park City. So he measured out the right amount of flour, spices, etc. to cook me dinner, etc. I could go on-you get the point-I have the best husband ever! I love surprises. So here are some fun pics from our fun group date the night before+ our anniversary celebration!

Our Group Date picnic! Fun memories....

Our Walmart cart exchange game...we were sore losers!!! I guess Braden and I were good against eachother only because we got some HARD-CORE shopping friends :) We switched carts with Julianna and Tim (who won by the way) and they had items like LARD, Margarita Salt, etc. SUPER hard to find! They were good...and it was their first time too! We'll have to practice up for next time. :)

Blueberry Crumble Cake...

Recipe for Jessica:

Cake:

• 1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups blueberries

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9″x 13″baking pan with foil and butter the foil.

Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Using a heavy-duty mixer on medium speed, beat butter and sugar until soft and light (about 5 minutes). Add whole eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla.

On low speed, add half the flour mixture and mix well. Add yolks, mixing well, then add remaining flour mixture.

Scrape batter into prepared pan. Smooth the top. Scatter blueberries over the batter.

Bake for 40 minutes, or until cake is firm. Cool cake in pan on wire rack.

TOPPING:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in melted butter and combine with your fingers until the mixture is coarse crumbs. Scatter the crumbs evenly over the berries.

OUR ANNIVERSARY!
Me blindfolded and sideways :)
What I saw when I walked in.
Our little balcony
Our bed...

Braden getting ready to dominate me.
On the Ski lift...I seriously couldn't breathe very well--very scary for me!

On the roller coaster.

On Main Street.Braden sitting in our kitchen in the condo with homemade Chicken, pasta, with white sauce. Yes, I'm very spoiled!

Our yummy wedding cake!

Anyway, we had a blast with our friends and on our Park City adventure. :)

Reflections on Cleaning

So yesterday I was high on endorphins from running and I had the urge to clean.

So I vacuumed, did 3 loads of laundry, finished the dishes, re-put on the duvet (which I feel does deserve to be a separate item on my list), wiped down all of the wood with wood cleaner, wiped off all the counters, tables, organized mail and both of our desks, and dusted...and liked it? Yes.

Now this urge doesn't come often due to my scatter brained personality, but as I was cleaning I kept thinking to myself -HOW ON EARTH was my house growing up, with 4 kids and my dad, ALWAYS clean??

My mom never even complained about it that I remember, and I don't remember her ever getting help from any of us either... I'm pretty sure a large part of her liked it.... and a small part of her is OCD too perhaps.. :)
So I have been trying to look at cleaning with a little more positivity to perhaps brainwash myself into constantly being on-t0p of all of the cleaning AND deep cleaning (while enjoying it) so I can just be one of those people who always has a clean house like my mom.

Positive thought #1-(so far) Laundry mats are nice because I can get 3 loads done in the time of 1 if we had our own machine...AND I get a workout carrying it up and down our little hill on our way.

Positive thought #2- It is worth it to clean every day because I feel better about myself... maybe its a woman thing. And when I clean every day it doesn't take as long to clean all at once when it has piled up.

So here is to cleaning and being happy while cleaning endorphins or not!
P.S. I was going to take pictures of our apartment for this post, but I am trying to encourage my family and friends to COME VISIT so they can see it... ahem..

What would life be without DESSERT?

So today, Sunday, we decided to invite 2 couples from our new apartment and have dessert since my brother Bud never returned my phonecalls to come over and share it with us. :) So it was very fun because we got to get to know some new friends instead-and they didn't pass up a late invitation for a high fattening treat.
And I FINALLY used this pretty dish we got when we were married...so I guess you could call it a Decadent Chocolate Trifle Recipe..??

Anyway, it was a NEW recipe for me and it was a hit!

Here it is. Inspired from my favorite baking blog, Bakerella, with a Mandy twist of course.

First off, I just made my favorite chocolate cake recipe from the back of the Hershey's cocoa box.
It's okay if it's not perfect because all you do is scrape it out and layer it with

• Chocolate Cake
  

• Marshmallows

• Chocolate Pudding
  

• then sugar free Cool Whip (inspired by my Weight Watchers Mom) still tasted good with all the flavor in there

[Then again-cake, pudding, marshmallows, cool whip....]

Then I decided I should garnish it with some Reeces Butter Cups I had lying around from the last time I made Braden's favorite cake.
It was a real hit and I think we made some new friends too:)

Confessions of a 2nd year teacher

So I wondered if this would happen to me or not, but lo and behold it has. I am one of those teachers who is SO EXCITED for school to start. This past year interning I felt kind-of nervous ..okay REALLY nervous and unprepared; and this year I know what I'm getting into :) and I am SO excited.
I just dropped by my school today and I can't wait to finish organizing my classroom and being MORE organized, more prepared, and a better teacher this year. I just love new starts-i.e. our new apartment I am keeping it cleaner, vacuuming more, doing laundry more, etc... I just feel revived with change and new starts and I can't wait for new students to work with and teach, and to be taught by!
I have posted my VERY first teaching experience pictures--some from Africa and then some from last year.....

One of the BEST teachers I have seen-he was inspiring, kept student attention, loved his job, and loved the students. He truly taught with love and heart.

One of my classes at the Jr. High

Artsy picture I LOVE and need to blow up for my classroom from one of our artistic volunteers, Gary.

After we chopped our hair and donated it for locks of love this past year.
4th grade show day-aren't they SO cute?

Some of my FAVORITE students...okay they all are my favorite-but seriously these boys are too :)

Some of my 4th grade teachers I work with.

So the new school year is almost here and I can't wait. I hope to keep this momentum and excitement! But there ya go... I am one of those lucky people who loves their job. Just had to let out my excitement somehow--so there ya go:)

Bear Lake Fun!

Braden and I have officially become "vacation bums" as Braden's missionaries told him. :) Last weekend Th-Sunday we went there and it was a BLAST. Here we are at Bloomington..

After a fun four wheeling trip up Fish Haven with a big view of Bear Lake.

Father and son.

Husband and wife.

Braden.

The fourwheelers.

Candid steppin out.

Marissa and I on our thrilling tube ride. :) Only Marissa knows how thrilling it really was for us. lol. Good times!

Everybody hidden and smashed in the middle of the boat trying to dodge the sudden white caps created from the wind storm. Check out Tanner in the corner.

The Pier and view of Bear Lake. See some white caps blowin...not many and see that BLUE water...it is SO pretty.

Braden cuddling up with the boat dodging those splashes.

Me, Marissa, and Lauren.

Aaron and Marissa.

On our short fun hike through Bloomington.

Rock, Suzanne, Aunt Janelle, and Uncle Jody in the back ;)

Pretty view.

Well as for Boyer updates since we've been back which I'm sure you are on the edge of your seat for ;) we've been jogging around the temple in the mornings and enjoying our new apartment. Our spare bedroom-yes, that's right 2 bedroom is now our exercise room. So after running Braden and I have been pumping the iron with his weight set! ;) It's been bonding time and a good realization of how much I'm NOT currently in shape.
That's all for now!

Sunday Cookin'

Sunday morning I snuck out of bed a little earlier like I had wanted to surprise Braden with a new recipe I got! Blueberry cornmeal pancakes with orange maple butter. I must say it was worth every calorie. Here is the 2 C. blueberry with 2 T. sugar sitting in the bowl to the side.

The batter.
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1/4 cup milk
3 Tbsp butter, melted and cooled
1 egg lightly beaten
Mix dry ingredients in large bowl-mix milks/butter and egg in separate bowl then add to dry.
If you are like me and don't just have 1 1/2 C. buttermilk lying around you can make your own by adding 1 T. for each C. milk of lemon juice. Still tasted good to me!

Put 1/2 C. batter on griddle and spoon in blueberries to your liking.

Flip when ready-I like it when one blueberry or so is starting to explode with juices :)

And then layer her up and put on your homemade orange maple butter to top it off! It melts in your mouth like a mix of a crepe and pancake. So yummy. I loved the cornmeal in it too.
Butter: 1 stick softened butter
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 tablespoon maple syrup

• Combine all three in a small bowl with a rubber spatula.
• Spoon the mixture on a piece of wax paper.
• Roll and re-shape back into a stick of butter.
• Twist the ends to secure the wax paper and refrigerate.
• Note: If I were to do this again, the ONE thing I would change would be the butter-we didn't eat a whole stick and it wasn't too strong. I'd say use 1/2 a cup of butter with the same amount of OJ and syrup. Make sure to smash the butter and pour the liquid inside so when you reshape it it is as in the butter as you can get it.
  

Then for dinner Braden cooked up a MEAN steak!
It is the first steak I have liked my entire life. Thank you Clay for giving us a top sirloin from babysitting. It was SO good and Braden knows what he's doing. Juicy, tender, flavorful.

Step 1, marinate. This was SO easy. I found it online. 1 C. hot water, 1 C. brown sugar, 1 C. soy sauce, and 2-3 garlic cloves cut up. Put in a ziplock (I doubled it to be safe) overnight.
Braden with the marinating steak.. mmmmmmmhhhhmmmm...
Yes, this is the first time to use our BBQ. It is so nice. We will be doing this a LOT more often.
Picking it up our of the ziplock-step 2.
Step 3. Season to perfection. You are going to have to ask Braden if you want to know his BBQing and seasoning secret because I sure don't know how! Zoom in to see how huge this steak was. It was awesome. He is pretty pro at BBQing and always did it growing up so he knows the secrets.
Cheesy BBQ mashed potatoes.
Yummy and different.
1/4 C. BBQ sauce-taste test depending on how many potatoes.
1/8 of an onion- fry
1/2-1 C. Cheese
1 C. milk
2 cloves garlic
And there's our dinner. Check out that steak. It literally is the FIRST steak I've every liked. Braden ate that whole piece-it was BIG. And the large part that was cut out, I ate!! EVERY BIT of it. It was the most meat we both have ever eaten in one sitting we thought.
This was our first Sunday dinner in our new place. :)

Our California Adventure

Okay, so I tried at first to put these in order but it was FAR too complicated with FAR too many pics to organize. So here is a scattered taste of our trip!

Cuddling up with Mickey.

DISNEY attire.

Kiss-crazy. Took it for Russy... I didn't know you are supposed to pay them for a pic so I nicely asked, "Can I take a quick picture?" They posed and as I walked off Blackie was like... "...yeah.. normally you pay for a picture but it worked out for you." I was SO embarrassed. Luckily, they didn't chase me down or anything or I would've been scared for my life!

Entrance at Disneyland.

Academy Awards-my favorite one. LOL.

Let me just interject that..

California is the best!

Disneyland is the best! (my favorite place now)
And my sweet husband who took me there is the best. He got around everywhere like a pro and made it so much fun! What a great year anniversary celebration. It was perfect-it was our second honeymoon!!!

Pretty Sky on our drive through Utah..
Another.Baker in Death Valley= HOT!!! This is the biggest Thermometer in the WORLD! Pretty sweet.

Drove through the strip there at 6 a.m. and on the way back at 11 p.m.-looked fun but intense at places. I like bright lights though, what can I say?Self explanatory. Neat to be there in real life.

All the Michael Jackson parafernalia.
Everyone was piling up trying to put flowers and gifts on his tile up Sunset Blvd.Transformer man.

Superman who pretty much attacked our Aunt Debra. He was a bit cocky in his act. Cute pic of her though.Braden and I at Santa Monica Pier!

Braden waiting for me out on a Sunday Picnic at Santa Monica Beach.Parallel parking-yes, this one was a tight squeeze. Whatever it takes to get free parking. Braden paralleled parked I think every day at the beach.

Cool tree at the L.A. Temple.We love to see the temple...
and The DisneyLand Castle too!
Braden and I give Bubba Gump 2 thumbs up!
My delicious meal at Bubba Gump's! Stuffed shrimp (crab and cheese stuffed-amazing)
Braden and his delicious Coconut Shrimp!
Honey, I shrunk the audience. :) Fun! Weird looking, I know.
On another Pier..I get them all mixed up..not sure which one this is. One of my favorites. We came here to walk after a full day at the beach.
Joker from Batman on Sunset Blvd. I thought he looked really good. I had to sneak these pics of course since they want the big bucks.
Blackie and Debra on the beach for fourth of July fireworks. Some people who weren't pro at fireworks blasted one off sideways and got blackie right in the butt! We moved shortly after. :)
I love my husband! What can I say. Look at that handsome face.
An awesome bracelet Braden found at the beach. I think it is SO cute. It says Juicy Couture on it...so I guess it is some type of namebrand maybe-but I love it! We wouldn't have taken it except it was in the middle of NOWHERE where nobody was. Finders, keepers right! :)
After Splash Mountain.
Not quite as big as Will Smith's feet.
Not quite as small as Julie Andrews.
Why you should evenly distribute sunscreen...
Some hot Mexican I took a picture of. lol. :) We went to Old Town in San Diego one day and Braden found this classic hat.
Braden and I at Coronado Island.
This was where Braden found some awesome SandDollars we took home and a live Clam!!
Pretty sweet.
In the line to Star Wars...
On the Mickey Ferris Wheel.
Braden crashing the waves at Huntington Beach. The waves were HUGE--this was Braden's favorite beach-it has all surfers and the waves are so big. I liked it, but wasn't quite as successful with the waves and slammed around a little too much than I was used to. :) Still awesome though.
And we got to go to the San Diego temple on day. It was BEAUTIFUL!!!! Wow.
Both of us at the front of it.
A view of Santa Monica. This was my favorite beach. It had like intermediate waves that I could handle and pretty view.
In California Adventure in Disneyland.
Uncle Blackie and Aunt Debra-our gracious hosts who let us stay in their home for a week and gave us a tour of LA and went to the LA temple with us. We are so grateful for all that they did while we were there and that we got to spend some time with them. We love them!
This temple was also BEAUTIFUL. The rooms inside were gorgeous, I didn't expect it. I LOVED this temple. It's huge too.
Braden and Mandy in the sand. :) Nice and big and easy to read...well I wrote Braden and he wrote Mandy-his is a lot deeper. But you get the point. ;)
Places we went on our week vacation:

1. Santa Monica Pier and Beach
2. Venice Beach
3. Coronado Island
4. San Diego
5. Old Town in San Diego
6. San Diego Temple
7. Los Angeles Temple
8. Disneyland
9. California Adventure
10. Long Beach
11. Sunset Blvd. in LA
12. Promenade/3rd street in LA
13. Bubba Gump's on Santa Monica Pier
14. Mimi's Cafe with Debra and Blackie
15. Tiki's Tacos... or some authentic taco place with Blackie and Debra-real Mexican. Really good.
16. Downey where we stayed.
17. 5,124,980,173,421 freeways! (they have a ton) AND....Perhaps more to come as I think of them .. and yes, in case you are wondering this is definitely the longest post I have ever in the history of the mandy and braden blogspot.
    

Bye bye Disney and Cali and back into Utah we go...

To my Sister...

To Amber:
A great sister and friend

A health food advocate and example :)

Always there making memories
Some memories of mine with Amber:
1. ALWAYS trying to be like her no matter the style--Jynco's, rainbows, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Singing, Modeling, Yoga, Piano-you name it! Also, Amber moving out when I was 10 I think and getting her room and crying because I missed her so much when I slept in her room the first night.
2. Learning about make-up when she worked at Whatever Norman and going to get a make-over. I was so excited.
3. Doing Yoga with some famous guy straight back from Africa.
4. Learning dancing tips before I went to the Gorilla Hole in the 5th grade. :) "Move your head up and down NOT side to side."
5. Trying various health foods--notice her health juice in the picture above.
6. Listening to 311 in the Arrowstar.
7. Going hiking painfully for me...I've gotten better now though :)
8. Hearing Amber's testimony of the Savior in our home starting traditions and various times in church. You always have set such a great example to me and I'm so grateful for you and your spirit that sometimes I don't think you realize how powerful it is!
9. Learning Op-talk and being so proud to use it!
10. Countless hangout with your friends in deep conversations.


Lover of Yoga!
Starter of a yoga studio!!
Check it out if you don't know at livingyogautah.com
Lover of family togetherness.

A great mother.
A great sister.

Beautiful prego-BARELY at 6 months or something crazy like that!

Wonderful daughter.

Wonderful wife.

Dedicated Wife.

Natural born leader.

A producer of handsome boys! (so far...girls in the future too I'm sure)

Happy late birthday! Pretend this was tied on your gift :) Hope you had a great day.
Love you Am and I'm so glad you are my sister.

My First Sewing Experience Post Young Women's + Next week

Thanks to Emily, I had a fun sewing experience making aprons! I gave the one on the left to Amber for her birthday and the one on the right for my friend Sarah for her bridal shower! It was so much fun. I think they turned out pretty cute. Thanks Emily!! I hope to become more independent in the whole apron thing..but may take a couple more before I trust myself to be free of supervision. ;)
And this week you guessed it, Braden and I will be going to Cali- (L.A.) and to DISNEYLAND!!!!

We cannot wait.... Braden's at work and when he gets back we'll begin our road trip! Cali here we come. I haven't been to California since I was born there-age three...so this is pretty much brand new to me. Yea!!!! I'll come back with blogging fun and pics I'm sure. :)

Tribute to Michael Jackson

I think it goes without saying that Michael Jackson is A LEGEND!!! His music has changed the whole music world and the world of pop. In tribute you'll hear I have ALL Michael songs on my playlist. Since he died I have been surprisingly sad for Michael-just because I think he was troubled and had some struggled and for some reason I feel a lot of empathy and connection with people who are struggling.. I don't know maybe it comes with the genes or something. But anyway, I'm hoping he is finding real happiness now and is not feeling lonely anymore. In an interview semi-recently he said to a dear friend, "I am a very lonely man." This makes me so sad. This just goes to show it isn't fame or money that creates happiness.
So here's to the king of pop who had the vocal chords that no-one could touch, a talented composer, song writer, fashion starter, and incredible dancer and entertainer!

Playing Mom for a day!

So, I've babysat twice for the Hughes fam and it has been so
much fun both times! Here are some pics from our first babysitting extravaganza-because that is what it was that day.

This is pretty much my favorite picture of all time of Braden and Trish and Clay's kids-SO cute. They loved hanging out with Braden while we went to the airport to pick up Braden's cousin from his mission in Brazil. We also got to go eat at the park before and they got to be "our children" to try and freak out Chase when he got home. The "Mom and Dad" thing didn't really trick him though!

They also had fun on the lazy walking thing...whatever it is called. It was fun!Here's happy Lincoln in the morning after Cannon, Lincoln, and I completed the Spiderman puzzle pad thingy in the corner of the pic. ;)
Here's Cannon at the park!

..They rode their bikes to the park... Cute and all wearing their helmets!

Lincoln

Abby "Kaye"--just for you Abby, right spelling and all!

Loving is sharing, right? :)

As we arrived to the park this big poodle came running out of nowhere!

Some may be afraid of a big dog like this, but NOT Cannon! He tamed this doggy like a pro..and was proud of it too. He was a sweet dog.

Okay, some random things I learned when babysitting these past couple weeks:
1. Don't lock all the doors when you don't have a key!
2. It's always good to leave one window open with the screen for easy access.
3. Buckling up a car seat is WAY harder than I anticipated.
4. Being a mom must be a work out.
5. It pays off to teach your kids-hence they are so fun and easy to babysit and independent in chores and meals.
6. Just because your babysitting doesn't mean you need to eat a little bit off everyone's plate!
7. Always bring snacks.
8. It will be fun to be a mom one day.
9. Abby and Cannon did NOT know or recognize the "Thriller" song-so I definitely sad them down and we watched that whole video. [But they DID know Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana of course]
10. I'm glad that I'm an aunt and get to live so close to all my neice and nephew's!

To My Daddy

Dad, you have always been there for me and have given me so many memories and bonding moments. I'm so glad that you are my dad. You have taught me from your chats, example, business talks, by always supporting me in all of my activites, and by going the extra mile for us and of course by always providing for us also...I love you because...

1. We go to truck stops for fun and every truck stop reminds me of you!

2. You're the most handsome Dad alive! (and you are a cool Harley Dad!)

3. You're a wonderful father, grandfather, and storyteller ;)

4. You're a great friend..

5. You began my love of sports and have spent countless hours with me at many sporting events..

6. You are always there when it really counts.

7. You are a great golfer and unrelated to the picture-a great teacher and leader.

8. You make me feel loved and special.

9. You are a good husband.

10. He comes with some sweet benefits for Braden and I :) Some swimming fun and a fun place to stay...

11. I love EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU!!!

I hope you have a Happy Father's Day Dad-I love you always.

Here's to Moderation and Family Favorites

Okay, so about a week ago I was asking Braden to pick between 2 new recipes for a new recipe for the upcoming week menu and Braden wisely said something to the effect of, "If you are making new recipes all the time the favorites never get repeated.." Or something to that effect. So I realized that 5 new recipes for M-F was a little bit intense. I was definitely getting a bit obsessive and I needed to calm down a bit-so I made one of Braden and I's favorites and am cooling down to only 2 new recipes a week. We compromised he said 1 and I said 2..going down from 5! So there ya go.

Here is chicken salad on homemade croissants!

So, I mix the ingredients together in a bowl...or for me my future container to put in the fridge to save dishes!!--I don't even measure-super easy just taste til it's good. I mix in:
Walnuts
2 Cans of Chicken
Miracle Whip (way better than Mayo ;)..but that's me!
Green Onions
White or Yellow Onion
Grapes cut into halves
Chopped Celery

However, BEFORE you mix your ingredients start on your croissants-just take a roll recipe and then slice them into triangles, roll, you know the drill. If someone really wants mine I can give it in a comment.

And then cut your croissants and put the yummy chicken salad in, serve with chips or whatever. I had chips and kiwi to make it summer-y. SO YUMMY!!!! Hits the spot every time and you don't feel gross after you just feel satisfied and healthy....minus however many chips you eat of course. ;)

From now on I am going to calm down a bit and fit in some staple favorites to make it easier on me and more fulfilling for the hubbie. MODERATION in ALL things right..it just gets addictive when it is SO fun! :) Here's to moderation and family favorites.

Tis the Season

Braden=Allergies+Finals!

This is Braden studying during late hours for one of his exams. I am sad I missed the ideal picture with about 12 kleenexes next to the couch hours earlier, but this still gets the scene across I suppose. And I know this looks like he's asleep but he actually isn't. After my multiple suggestions to sleep and rest/nap, he never falters and plows through a few hours more.

I am so proud of Braden-he is doing so well in school. He has read so much each night for his Russian literature class which he has loved (about one book per night or around 200 pages-yes, it takes a long time) and learned crazy things I don't even try to understand in his molecular bio class and lab. He is one brainiac if I've ever met one.

Good luck Braden! Only 2 more finals to go......

One more day of finals and then SUMMER for reals. :)

Side note: One thing Braden has enjoyed (sarcasm intended) has been the crickets living above our ceiling. Due to the darkness in between floors, they think it's night all the time and cricket (however you say the sounds crickets make) all day and all night long!

Italian Sausage Pie

Okay I absolutely LOVED this new recipe this week. It was refreshing and different. To me, it is kind-of a mix between kiche and Chicken Pot pie...with sausage of course. My only complaint from Braden was he thought there was a little too much meat in it...so that could mean 1-put less than 1 lb. of sausage in it oR 2- cut up the sausage into SMALLER pieces...I didn't cut them that small..but I LOVED it even with bigger chunks. I just really really liked this.
And I tried a new double crust recipe that I DO not recommend. I always learned that if your crust doesn't turn out, then turn it into a lattice-top ;) So... Even though this isn't a dessert, that is what I kind-of did AND there wasn't even enough to go both directions..so use your own double crusted recipe OR go buy pre-made pastries because you should have a full crust on top as well as on bottom.

Yummy Filling Ingredients:

• 1 lb. sweet Italian sausages, cut into 1/2" slices ( I got HOT italian sausages--not even that hot just flavorful and spicy..so may want to try that!)
• 6 eggs
• 1/2 of a 9 oz. bag spinach
• 2 cups shredded mozzerella or cheddar cheese
• 1 C. shredded asiago cheese
• 1/2 C. grated Parmesan Cheese
• 2/3 C. Ricotta cheese (I got the low fat, couldn't tell!)
• 1/4 t. garlic powder
• 1/8 t. pepper

• 2 crust pastry (homemade or store bought)

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. In large Skillet cook sausage until no longer pink. Remove from pan and drain well no paper towels.
3. reserve one egg yolk. Beat rest of eggs, and add remaining ingredients except for sasuages and pastry.
4. Mix well, then carefully fold in sausages. Prepare pastry.
5. Pour sasuage filling into crust-lined pan and top with second crust.
6. Seal edges with tin-foil and remove last 5 minutes so edges don't burn.
7. Brush top crust with reserved egge yolk and cut decorative vents in top crust.
8. Bake at 375 for 55-60 min. until well browned and set. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Try it out and let me know what you think. Super easy and very good. I know they are probably cheeses you don't have, but that is what makes it fun; and the hot italian sausage was refreshing and delish!

An AMAZING quote-PLEASE read!

Many of you may have heard of or be familiar with Leo Tolstoy, a Russian writer known as one of the best European novelists of all time. He's written such novels such as War and Peace and Anna Karenina (which Braden is currently reading in his Russian Literature class).
Braden shared this quote with me the other day and I think it is INCREDIBLE. Talk about inspired. PLEASE READ. It talks about his view on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Editor's Note: I discovered this in my reading and found it quite interesting. Count Leo Tolstoy, the great Russian author, statesman, and philosopher, held [this] opinion as to the possible future destiny of the "American religion" founded under the instrumentality of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Thomas J. Yates related an experience he had while a student at Cornell University in 1900. He had the privilege of meeting Dr. Andrew D. White, former president of Cornell and, at the time, U.S. Ambassador to Germany. Upon learning that Mr. Yates was a Mormon, Dr. White made an appointment to spend an evening with him, at which time he related an experience he had had with Count Tolstoy while serving as U.S. Foreign Minister to Russia in 1892. Dr. White visited often with Count Tolstoy, and upon one occasion they discussed religion. We quote from Elder Yates' account of this discussion, as related to him by Dr. White:

"Dr. White," said Count Tolstoy, "I wish you would tell me about your American religion."

"We have no state church in America," replied Dr. White.

"I know that, but what about your American religion?"

Patiently then Dr. White explained to the Count that in America there are many religions, and that each person is free to belong to the particular church in which he is interested.

To this Tolstoy impatiently replied: "I know all of this, but I want to know about the American religion. Catholicism originated in Rome; the Episcopal Church originated in England; the Lutheran Church in Germany, but the Church to which I refer originated in America, and is commonly known as the Mormon Church. What can you tell me of the teachings of the Mormons?"

"Well," said Dr. White, "I know very little concerning them. They have an unsavory reputation, they practice polygamy, and are very superstitious."

Then Count Leo Tolstoy, in his honest and stern, but lovable, manner, rebuked the ambassador. "Dr. White, I am greatly surprised and disappointed that a man of your great learning and position should be so ignorant on this important subject. The Mormon people teach the American religion; their principles teach the people not only of Heaven and its attendant glories, but how to live so that their social and economic relations with each other are placed on a sound basis. If the people follow the teachings of this Church, nothing can stop their progress -- it will be limitless. There have been great movements started in the past but they have died or been modified before they reached maturity. If Mormonism is able to endure, unmodified, until it reaches the third and fourth generation, it is destined to become the greatest power the world has ever known."

Garlic Parmesan Pizza Recipe!!

Here it is ladies!

Okay-First the dough.
2 C. Warm water
2 T. yeast
2 t. sugar
2 t. salt
2 T. oil
5-6 C. Flour

• Combine Water and Yeast in a large bowl and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Stir in the sugar, salt, and oil. Add half the four and mix.
• Add the remaining flour and knead until smooth.
• Cover with a clean kitchen towel and put in a warm spot (I always warm my oven and then turn it off and put it in) for about a half an hour
• Punch the dough down (I like that part of yeast recipes ;)
• If desired you can split dough into 3, but to make my thick crust I just rolled out and left the outside edge about 3 inches thick--the way a pizza crust normally looks and had a more deep-crusted pizza. We liked it that way!
• Put onto a greased cookie sheet or pizza pan. (again, it you want it to be think crusted with multiple pizzas you can simple roll out to 1/4 '' thick)
• Spread your favorite sauce on top.....

Garlic SAUCE + Topping
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 T. butter
3 T. flour
1 C. milk
4 (I put 5 of course)slices cooked bacon
1 chicken breast (if desired..I just added this)
1/2 a bag of spinach
2 oncions, sliced
1/2 t. sugar
1 C. grated Parmesan

Garlic Sauce: It's basically a white sauce with garlic: Saute a few cloves minced garlic in 1 T. of butter. Add 3 T. of flour and cook for a few minutes, while stirring. Slowly add 1 C. milk, whisking together so it's not lumpy. Bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes, stirring almost constantly.

Cook up bacon--chop and crumble. Set aside.
Cook up 1 chicken breast on your George Foreman and then slice into small cubes, set aside. Season however you like.
Leave just a T. of drippings in pan and cook fresh chopped spinach in it for just about 1-2 min. until wilted.
(put in colander and squeeze as much liquid out as possible) I don't know what that
is nor do I have one SO I just squeezed it out on a paper towel. ;)
Put slices of onion in same pan and sprinkle with spoonful of sugar until browned for about 10-15 min.
Grate 1 C. Parmesan cheese.

NOW put onions and spinach ONLY on pizza crust and bake on 475 for 20 minutes.
Then add the bacon, chicken, and parmesan and cook another 5 minutes.

Let me know how it turns out! Sorry, brevity has never been a strength of mine.

Food for Braden+ Braden NEWS

So, a couple weeks ago Braden said..is there any way you can make Chili Cheese Dogs? This just reminded me that I need to remember some MALE meals if you get my drift ;)! Fortunately and unfortunately I am not a fan of hot dogs and hamburgers (except now from In and Out apparently) so I forget to cook those for Braid. So tonight I cooked a home-made deep dish Garlic Parmesan Pizza with spinach, bacon, and chicken. (I think this qualifies as some male food)

And last night I made his requested chili cheese dogs--yes with NO calories of course.
If we keep on this course, we will both gain 100 lbs. in the next two weeks. We'll have something HEALTHIER tomorrow ;)

BRADEN NEWS
We got a letter yesterday and Braden is on the Dean's List!! With a 4.0,he better be somewhere! How exciting. He is my claim to fame. I'm so proud of him.
Way to go Braden!!!

Our Hike to Stewart Falls

To start off my birthday celebration day (it was the day after my read birthday-but Braden had tests) we went on a Hike to Stewart Falls for "enrichment" ;), husbands were invited. Lisa Marie, our enrichment leader, is so fun and creative and so we got to go on this beautiful hike!

This is on our way up.... (P.S. Braden got me this hat for my birthday and I opened it right before we left-it's cute, huh?)

Here's the whole crew
We're normal looking I promise ;)

Duh, duh, duh, DUH (trumpet) Check it out!

Okay, had to take a picture of this. Gross, but kind-of interesting-worms nest...there were lots of these on our way up.

And there are some of the husbands-Braden of course ran up first to get up closer to it while Jessica and I held out breath-and they are "striking a pose." I LOVE the mountains, I love the rolling hills.... ;)
Can't believe camping season is already here. More pretty pics to come in the near future and whenever our first camping extravaganza takes place.

Birthday Scavenger Hunt

Creative Braden brought me on a scavenger hunt for my birthday. It started out, in the first envelope, a clue that led me to Creamery on 9th and a dollar to buy my new favorite candy bar-a Take 5!
The next clue, brought me to the temple-it was a special experience-we did sealings and the temple worker was very insightful.

Then...a clue that took me forever...we went to one of my favorite restaurants that I love that has a country in the title. I even listed Chili's when thinking out loud, but I only thought of that as Chili's not Chile...I'm a bit slow...

The next clue we went to a park where he kissed me for the second time on the slide-;)-I thought we were just going to hang out there and kiss on the slide, but to my surprise there were the Boyer Bunch and Betsy (one of my dearest friends) waiting for me to wish me a happy birthday!

We played Ultimate Frisby (for my first time) and Braden through cupcake icing in my face...

Yes, I did NOT expect it!

Luckily, I fight back!

And he plays nice still.
From here we went country dancing and ended off with nothing else but...MARIO KART! My favorite. It was an AWESOME birthday. Thank you Braid. I will always remember my 3 day birthday celebration and my fun birthday.

Two Books I recommend

The Five Love Languages- I absolutely LOVED this book, thank you Shannon. This has changed the way I think about meeting people's needs, how people meet my needs, and how I meet Braden's needs. It is so useful. So here is a quick summary of the five love languages, BUT don't let this quick, insufficient synopsis stop you from actually learning about each of them and reading the book. SO good.

Here it goes:

Words of Affirmation- Kind-of self-explanatory. It is what you say and how you say it that makes you feel loved or not loved.

Quality Time- This has to do with "focused attention" from your spouse-this makes you feel loved or not loved. (if multi-tasking, doesn't count)

Receiving Gifts- It really makes your day to get a sweet note, homecooked treat, bought gift, etc.

Acts of Service- You feel loved when someone helps you clean up, vacuum, do the dishes, edit a paper, etc.

Physical Touch- You feel loved when you are hugged, kissed, hold hands, etc.

This book is a quick read that keeps you going and helps you understand yourself and others..wow, I like it, can you tell? And everyone has a dominant love language, but still needs EVERY language.
There also is one for children once you have kids that I'm excited to read one day.

The other-The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands. (Mom got this for me when I got married) After reading The Five Love Languages this was a great change of pace. This book has the comical and painfully and wisely honest Dr. Laura to keep you entertained and taught.. I also love the clips from her radio shows. She just helps you to see through a man's eyes. I'm not going to lie, there were occasions where I felt guilty for a few lines for being a woman simply because of the pointed comments from Dr.Laura to inconsiderate women callers, BUT even so it taught me a lot and it kept me laughing. Basically the 2 thing men need are 1-food and 2-sex! She just goes on about how simple men are and how we need to remember to treat our husband well too and that he has needs also. (Oh, and also how to use what a husband needs to get what you want)
Some favorite quotes:

-"Men are only interested in two things: If I'm not hor**, make me a sandwich."
-"Don't put everything a man says through a fem-filter and then expel what you believe in his real meaning. Men are never taken at their word; it all must be fem-filtered to find the true meaning of what it is that the man has said. Then he is blamed for the hurtful words that he never said in the first place!"
-"Women are disappointed in the man who doesn't read her thoughts. I think that realizing that a man is just that, a man, is the most impossible thing a woman can do...They think differently, the feel differently, and they communicate differently... and they're NOT WRONG for that."
- "..Your basic male is a decent creature with simple desires to be his wife's hero, to be his wife's dream lover, to be the protector and provider for his family, to be respected, admired, and appreciated. Men live to make their women happy."

Read it and see what you think! Trish and Am too!!!

Our St. George Trip

The two most important and sweetest men in my life!

Braden and I after in and out with Russy, Mom, and Jeff... YES, I like the burgers there...terrible and wonderful how your taste buds change over time.

At the front of Mom and Dad's neighborhood with Russy and Mom.

A scenic Sunday drive.

Beautiful Southern Utah.

Our Fun Date Night..

Part 1 of the date: So we were SUPPOSEd to try on weird outfits...we were each going to pick out 2 for eachother...but the dressing rooms were CLOSED at Walmart... That's what my expression conveys in case you were wondering. ;)

So instead we just compromised and tried on hats, fanny packs, etc.. This is my personal favorite of Braden's-lol.

And this was mine Braden picked out. Scarf, 80's looking hat, backpack, and an attemptive dorky expression :)

Free Date ideas!

Such a dork-that's why I love him. More trying on....

Part 2: We picked out 5 items out of the grocery part of Walmart and then switched carts. Whoever put them all back and got to our designated spot first won. (Braden's idea, creative huh? He says he isn't creative but he definitely is!)

Needless to say, I won!

This was the coctail sauce that lost him the race.

Part 3 of Date: Egg throwing contest.
Rules: We're a team and start really close together tossing egg back and forth. Whoever catches it takes one step back and then you toss it again, etc.

I lost the first 2 eggs! (I just didn't catch them once we got really far apart)

The last one I CAUGHT and was so mad but because we were far away I didn't "cradle" with it on it's way down and it was too much impact! I was so happy I caught it too...or rather I was extra upset because I actually caught it and it broke. lol. ;) Next time, I'll do better!

Sunday Picnic in the Canyon

Braden and I went to a picnic in the canyon for dinner. The weather was perfect and it was gorgeous.. I love living in Utah! :)

This was our view when laying down looking up. :) We were right by the Provo River rushing on our other side...although you can't see it!

HAD to get this picture for mom to get pleasure knowing that I do in fact use my birthday present from last year. And honestly, it is awesome because it holds SO MUCH. Thanks Mom. :)

PIZZA BURGERS!
This is what was for dinner. If you know me, you know I DON'T like burgers; but guess what, I liked these!
Recipe:
1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion chopped
small green pepper chopped in
1 14/15 oz. pizza sauce
buns
cheese on top

This was SO easy and tasted so good. I was surprised and happy that I liked it. Just brown veggies and beef together and mix in pizza sauce til warm. Then put some cheese on top and it will melt since it'll be hot when you put it on. Simple, easy, and fun! Braden liked it too.

A HEALTHY Snack

MMmmmmmm Grapes!

So if you didn't already know pretzels and grapes are my FAVORITE SNACK!! I LOVE it-it's the perfect mix for me. Sweet, salty, low calorie, doesn't get much better! So, Braden-Mr.Doctor to be-taught me that out of all the fruit DNA is one of the best for DNA repair. (I just learned about this too) And as we get older we lose DNA repair, hence we get wrinkles, etc... so certain substances/foods break up our DNA or deform/alter our DNA (such as caffeine, tea, UV rays, and many other things Braden said that I can't remember :); and therefore, it is up to the DNA repair to help bring our DNA back to the original form it should be in.
And guess what? My favorite snack is one of the super ones for DNA repair! Thought ya'll should know. Go buy some grapes today... should I go walk to the Walmart produce now?
Hope you enjoy this new tidbit

And Braden loves you too!!

Braden wants to share his love too! So just so you know
we BOTH love you to pieces--our whole Boyer family :)

I Love You Mom

A Tribute to Mom

Mom has always been there through the THICK and the THIN ;)..(even thick and think hair)! No matter the activity, she is there to help, give support, and give of her time for others and for me.
She is loved by her daughters and has always been "one of the girls."

Mom is always there when I need a hug whether it be because I am happy and overjoyed, or because I am sad and hurt. She is always there.

She's always there to be goofy and have fun with me... Examples: singing crazily in the car, "Harmonies, go!", dancing with your hands on road trips, checking and commenting on our blogs and facebooks every post, doing facemasks with me, watching American Idol and texting simultaneously as we watch, laughing hysterically with me for no reason, getting our nails done together for special occasions, playing cards and mocking each other, giggling for reasons only we understand..which normally is for no reason at all but we know that too, eating icecream out of the carton after a tramatic break up with an ex-mother in law to be :), and many more...

And Mom is and always will always be my best friend. Mom is always there to support me, talk with me, give me advice, and shower me with love so naturally like she always does for me and everyone she meets.

I love you more than I can express Mom-while I have a new best friend, you know you are also my best friend in a different way-my best girlfriend and mom :) We have a special bond and I know that
you are my mom for a reason. I couldn't have accomplished anything
if it weren't for all of your support and love. You mean the world to me mom
and I'm so grateful that you are in my life. Thank you for your endless example
of unconditional love, selflessness, and perseverance. You are my constant example and I hope that I can be more like you and be like you when I become a mom.

I wish I could've been with you on Mother's Day, but we will spoil you later and make up for it.
I love you mom!

P.S. This is my school computer so I don't have ALL of my pictures....so I did the best that I could.. I have way better pictures on the other one.. but it's the thought that counts ;)

My Hair Cut

Okay, for those who have been requesting here is my official hair cut! This is just at school that I took on photo booth... but you get the idea! I'm liking the change for now..but I'm sure I'll grow it out again. :) MUCH healthier.

Our Hope of America Field Day :)

All 66 of us at BYU yesterday.

These are the ADORABLE twins...they are precious.

This kind-of shows how many students there were there.... A LOT! :)

These two boys were so fun on the bus. They helped me start some songs for the bus and I got to sit next to one of them at the performance :) Yes.. I am trying to avoid students' names.. can you tell? lol. This was a fun day!

A student and I at the playground after our rehearsal. It was so fun to spend time outside of school with some of my students...

Emily and I--Emily is pretty much the best ever on so many levels :) Seriously. Her and Marianne are powerhouses at our school and I admire and love to work with both of them! They both make working so fun! Thanks Emily for leading by example always.

So I realized I spent most of my picture time at the playground and NOT on our field trip... hmm... I hope to get more pictures from our performance from my mom to add on here... and Emily to email me too please ;)

Hope of America was a blast. It was the first time for our school to participate. 72 schools from Alpine School District were in Hope of America and we got to sing so many songs remembering and cherishing the history and freedoms that unite us as Americans. And best of all, it was from CHILDREN-it is SO much better to hear from America... "the hope" for America and America's future leaders. We sang songs about: Abe Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Spaceship Columbia, September 11th, Military tribute, and more. This was such a memorable day!

The Chorus Committee and our students got to leave school and go practice at the Marriot center... It was my FIRST field trip ever when "I" was one in-charge. Weird, but SO fun. :)

After some hard practicing, kids got dirty and had some fun on the playground!

Here is the Hope of America choir bunch!

The Cleaning Crew!

Lucky me, I had two heaven sent angels come to help me clean... they were...

Mamasita and Russy!

I am SOOOo glad they came to help.. it was just one of those times I didn't feel up to cleaning all alone cuz I had so much to do and really needed to deep clean. So Russy tackled some dishes and Mom vacuumed everything and helped with the deep cleaning! Don't worry I was cleaning too :) How awesome and blessed am I! Thank you you two!
Okay and random long unhealthy hair picture BEFORE I got it cut...I was trying to show how long it was so that is why it was a weird angle. The AFTER pic is below, granted I was cleaning and it is not a full blown hair cut picture, but you get the idea... A LOT was cut off 7'' ish... maybe 7 1/2..Thank you Cleaning Crew!!

What do ya think?

Celebrity Lookalikes???...
Note: Presumptuous I know-we just got that we look like these two a couple of times so we thought we'd ask what you thought.. lol. And I wanted to see how our supposed "look-a-likes" looked together. :)

COUSIN NATALIE-PLEASE read :) I need some advice

Natalie,
This post is for YOU and whoever else has some hair ideas! :) I am sick of my long hair... due to my husbands obsession and love for my long hair, I am limited to hair options. However, I WANT A CHANGE.
Do you have any ideas for crazy layers while still keeping it long. I have a lot of hair, but it is fine and the super slippery kind. (I'm trying to give you an idea of my hair ;) I've been in need of a trim for months and I have completely unhealthy ends... any brilliant ideas with your amazing talent and hair wisdom ;) Let me know... I'm thinking bangs again (diagonal) and maybe some choppy layers that are pretty short so I at least feel like I have a big change. I just have had it this way for about 2 years and want something new and different for me...but not too different so my husband is still happy.
Anyone else who has ideas too-feel free. Just wanted some ideas... I even went to a website where I could put my picture in and add hair styles to it. :) One day soon I will get it cut.
Hope you get this Natalie :) and fam... Ooo and anyone can give me links or post pictures too if you want. Or Natalie maybe you can just mail me over your beautiful hair... that'll work too! :)

We decided to Adopt...

FISH and an amphibian to our family :)

I have been telling Braden that I wanted a fish just kind-of in passing on occasion..because it's really the only kind of pet we can have at this point-easy, fun, nice humming sound from filter...ya know?
So he surprised me and we just got back from Petsmart for my graduation present. (P.S. I'm all graduated from BYU now--yea! I would put pictures but we didn't take any pics with my camera...)

This is Braden getting them used to the new temperature of their aquarium.

We have 2 guppies named: Spot (he has a big spot on his head-Braden picked out the name and fish--cute and orange) and Bubbles (yellow and big). So far Bubbles is crazy and hyper. She seems to be older and quite the outgoing fun fish. Braden just said, "Geez, Bubbles is going to have a seizure." That pretty much sums her up. Spot is a little quieter and shy but seems to be getting a little more confident in his new environment.

Lastly, we got an African frog at the bottom of the tank and named him Kofi. In Ghana, they give you a name depending on the day you were born and so he was born into our family on Friday-so he is Friday-born and his name is Kofi. :) This was me trying to scoop them out! Harder than it looks.

So fun! We're excited about our first pets and it was a fun graduation present from Braid!

A walk around the temple

We went to the Draper temple this past weekend since my family was NOT at home!! We got to see Jeff but not Bud or Char--too busy shopping....so instead we got to walk on holy ground :)

I love BRIGHT happy colors and flowers.

squinting and awkward not attractive angle...but that's all we got!

The beautimous temple! It looks pretty big to me for a "small" temple. The inside is even more gorgeous.

My Spring Break

During Spring break I.....:
1. Got my teeth cleaned for $5 (of course the hyg. enjoyed my small mouth)
2. Found out that I brush my teeth too hard.
3. Found out that I have no cavities...
4. Used paper plates ALL week to reward myself with no dishes :)
5. Tried a new recipe. (vegetable baguette something rather... it was okay--not good enough to post... more of an appetizer)
6. Braden and I went to my school Saturday night until 11:30 p.m. and filed 24 folders to get audited this week! (he studied for his anatomy final)
7. Bought myself a book.
8. Got my oil changed.
9. Sent out graduation invitations
10. Took my last final at BYU ever!
11. Went to the park with Amber and the kids!
12. Had famous Sunday morning breakfast. (we always have hot breakfasts on at least Sunday's if not Sat. and Sun.)
13. Got my title switched in my name. (temporary for now until I get my safety and admissions a-gain)
14. Took back 2 options for graduations outfits.
15. Went to Braden's missionary companion's return talk and their "feast" after.
16. Walked around the Draper temple.
17. Put our apartment up on 2 more websites.
18. Got a new calling in Relief Society.
19. Braden cooked me a Russian candlelight dinner!
20. Went to the Draper house and hung out with Jeff.
21. Wrote a letter to my friend on her mission... first letter her ENTIRE mission... I'm not the best with that..
22. Made 7 layer cookie bars.
23. and of COURSE watched American Idol... [My favorites are obviously Adam (to Braden's disgust) and Allison-although I don't like her quite as much... and tied for 2nd is Matt too.... I like him... and Chris... they're all good this time... but Adam still is my favorite]
24. Had lunch with Shannon and went window shopping.
25. Had a dream that I got movable desks in my classroom.
26. Bought and dropped off a gift for my friend for her baby-to-come before she moves this week.

There's my list for now...I'm sure I'll think of more.. But my spring break was very productive and I enjoyed it. Now I can work with NO other homework or responsibilities. Life is good and I'm grateful that I had a break to rejuvenate.

Corn and Crab Quesidillas

This is definitely one of my favorite meals, Braden's too... Just cooked it this week and we finally finished them off... talk about left-overs! Soo good and I highly recommend it. Easy and good...crab isn't scary I promise. If you want the recipe I will post it on a comment... nevermind...I'll just go get it... One second...

1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 C. chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1 jar diced pimientos
1/2 t. pepper
1/3 t. cayenne
1 ob. chopped cooked crabmeat
or imitation (that's what I got for I think... 1.80 or something)
1 Package of flour tortillas or sun-dried tomato flavored if you wanna get fancy
1 T. butter
Sour cream to top off!

Recipe:1. Mix everything up in bowl!
2. Put about 2/3 C. on each tortilla...or however much preference..some I do less for me,
more for him...so whatever.
3. Put tortillas on griddle or stove with butter brushed on(fold over tortilla and only put
mix on half and fold)If you wanna omit the butter part it still tastes good
4. Top with cilantro for garnish and Sour cream!

I normally cut it in fourths but hadn't got that far when I took the picture.
Let me know what you think! Wish I said I made that up, but it is straight Betty Crocker recipe. She's the best.

Our Apartment is now up for sale!

Our spacious bedroom!

As of last night I put our apartment on KSL because we are hoping to move to Ymount. We will then be right next to the temple, MTC (Braden's work), and we can have a 2 bedroom for the same price... a little less square footage or the same put into 2 rooms...but still--2 rooms is 2 rooms!

Our Kitchen :) Small and cozy!

Part of kitchen...

Our living room... These are just a few pics I put up on KSL-thought I'd share.... and these were super quick last night...not professional looking at all..but they will get the point ;)

Happy Easter

Happy Easter Everyone. This past week I've felt overwhelmed with how much I love the Savior, it just has been filling me as I've been trying to contemplate the Easter season. I know that my Savior lives and that He is active in my life more than I realize sometimes, even when I feel like I am alone or going through a trial-He is always with me and if I seek Him He will help. I love the scripture in Romans that says, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) I LOVE this--we have the Savior, our perfect example, counselor, creator, and even our Heavenly Father rooting for us who wants the very best for us....so who can be against us? No-one else matters. What a comforting realization to know that we have Him with us.

I know that this is the time to prepare to meet God. Right now! While sometimes this is overwhelming for me to fathom [due to my perfectionist and at some points critical nature towards myself] I also feel so blessed that I get to be tested here with such a wonderful family who I love and am close with, in such trying/challenging times, and with the Holy Ghost and the Godhead with me also. I am not a mother yet, but I still can't imagine how difficult it would be to be Heavenly Father and to put His children on earth with the hope that we will succeed so that we may live with Him again. He loves us and trusts us so much to allow us free agency in this life amidst countless temptations. I hope to make Him proud and to rely more heavily on Him. Hope everyone had a great Easter....