August 27, 2008

Wednesday was a sad and a new adventure for my family. Stefen is the first missionary we have sent out, and so it was definitely difficult. Aniston and I rode down separate and I cried most of the way. I held back the tears as we took pictures but kind of let a few slip out after a picture with just Stefen, Aniston, and me. I am really sad that Stefen won't be around for the next TWO years of Aniston's life. He is so cute with her and she loves Uncle Stefen. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that no other sister in the whole world loves her brothers as much as I do. Both of my brothers are total studs and I adore them and love them so so much!! Stefen and I have always had this thing where we would tell each other secrets and promise not to tell anyone else. We kept things secret so our parents or others wouldn't know when we did things we shouldn't have done or if we did something really stupid. Stefen never told my parents that I ran the top of my dad's van into a tree branch when I picked him up from school one day (sorry dad). I am so proud of Stefen and would never tell him this, but I will miss him EVERY day and I really can't wait until he gets home. I have a hard time when I think of TWO whole years of not being able to see him and talk to him whenever I want. He's my buddy and one of my best friends, and I am so proud of him and the work he will do as he serves in Guadalajara. I envy those people who will spend time with him these next TWO years, and hope they will take good care of my brother.

My most treasured picture for the next two years, my baby kissing Uncle Stefen


My cute family


I had tears in my eyes in this picture, I just wanted to break down and cry like a baby


Elder Stefen Edward Bolander- I love him!!

Jack Johnson!

Part of our anniversary celebration was Jack Johnson tickets. We went with Chris' mission companion Garret and his wife Paige. We also ran into Ben "Jammin" while we were there. It was a great concert and tons of fun.

One year

A year ago today I am not exactly sure what I was doing, but I'm sure it had something to do with the most special person in my world. Chris and I were blessed with the most beautiful and sweet baby in the world, and the past year has been the best. Aniston is now one, and I cannot believe how fast it has gone and how much she has grown and changed. I love her, I love Chris for all the support he gave while she "cooked in the oven", and most importantly I love my Heavenly Father for letting me have her on this earth.
Aniston I love you baby...
I love you because you're mine
I love you because you are a sweetheart
I love the way you twist your hair when you're falling asleep
I love the way you smile, and that you do it 99.9% of the time
I love that you are friendly to EVERYONE
I love that you look a lot like your Dad, because I think he's gorgeous and so are you
I love that we both have crooked pinkies
I love your hugs and kisses and that you give them to those you love
I love your spunk, you keep us on our toes
I love when you snuggle with me
I love spending every day, all day with you
I love your humming noise (now that I'm use to hearing it)
I love that you're you, and that I get to be your Mother. I am the luckiest person to have such an amazing and sweet little girl!!

welcome baby Scarlet Shaw

Mike and Kristi have a sweet little baby girl, Scarlet, and we are so excited for them!! We're way excited that Aniston and Scarlet have the same Birthday. We want to wish you guys the best!!

3 years...

August 6th was mine and Chris' 3 year anniversary. My how time flies when you're having fun!! It has been a fun 3 years full of lots of exciting, scary, and amazing things. Chris is an amazing husband because he is ALWAYS there for me and takes care of our family. I admire him for his strength and especially his testimony. He keeps me on track and is a great example for me. I will always love my hunny FOREVER!! Thanks a bunch babe for being my main squeeze, always taking care of us, and especially for being such an amazing Dad. Check out my hunk... he's a keeper!!

The last vacation with the fam... for the next 2 years

We went on our last vacation before Stefen goes on his mission, it was a BLAST!! I love being with my family, and we ALWAYS have such an AWESOME time together. Aniston pet a horse, fished, rode the 4 wheeler with Dad, and went waverunning with Mom. She even climbed in Uncle Stefen's waders and walked out in the lake!