Self Defense Class

In March the YW had another fun activity night- we took a self-defense class at Kovars, a national martial arts school. We learned how to defend ourself against an attacker, how (and where) to strike back, and lots more! We had such a fun time and learned a lot too! I think we all feel more empowered! Thanks to Kovars for such a great private lesson! And you might want to think twice about messing with us now! We're pretty awesome!

Dress Up Bowling

For our mutual night a few weeks ago, the YM and the YW got all dressed up in our finest and went bowling! It was so much fun! Here are some pictures of our fun night!

Patrick & Derek

Gavin, Patrick, Derek, Sadie & Brother Rolfe

Shelby, Dalicia, Rachel & Emily

All of us!

Shelby & Dalicia getting in a little DDR after bowling

Dalicia & Shelby

The Big Cut!

Ok, so I know it's been nearly FOREVER since I last posted anything. I (1) lost the cord to my camera and haven't been able to upload any pictures and (2) have been super busy- I know... who of us aren't? BUT, I have since found the cord to my camera and realized that I am never going to have this magical notion of free time I so often dream about. So it's time to post!!

I have been wanting for some time now to participate in Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program and donate my hair to someone who really needs it. I found myself complaining one day that my hair was TOO long and TOO thick, and how it took too long to blowdry and style. Then I stopped for a minute and realized how selfish I was being- how many people, especially cancer patients who would love to have that problem- too much hair! I was humbled and decided that instead of getting a trim that I would grow it out just a little bit longer so I could have enough to donate.

A few weeks ago I took the plunge and got about 10 inches cut! I have always had long hair, so this is the shortest it's been since I was maybe 2 or 3 years old. Here are the pictures to prove it!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Valentine's Weekend in Vegas

Tim & I had a wonderful extended Valentine's Weekend in Vegas! We both really needed a getaway and this was perfect!

We met up with Stacy and her family. Stacy served alongside Tim in the Japan Sapporo mission. Stacy & Mark were super sweet to let us stay at their house the first night we arrived in Vegas. We had a great Italian dinner at Brio, a chic restaurant in the new trendy Town Square area, where we shopped, talked, and Tim & Stacy shared some pretty funny stories about their mission.

We woke up on Valentine's Day to a delicious breakfast- waffles and freshly squeezed orange juice! Thanks Stacy & Mark- you spoiled us! After breakfast we all headed out to check out the beautiful conservatory at the Bellagio. It was all decked out in a Chinese New Year theme.

We couldn't pass by the Bellagio without catching the water show.

After walking the strip a bit more, we said goodbye to Stacy, Mark, Bryanna & Maddox. We then headed to our timeshare to check-in and watch part of All-Star weekend before heading out for another fun night. Tim got tickets for us to see the Phantom of the Opera at the Venetian! We had front row balcony seats (excellent choice Tim!) the night of Valentine's Day. The show was so amazing! I highly recommend checking it out if you get the opportunity- you won't be disappointed! What a way to spend Valentine's Day, huh? It was so fun! Can't wait to see what Tim has up his sleeve next year!

We were a little tired the next morning- but who in Las Vegas isn't? We took a nice scenic drive to Hoover Dam. The picturesabove are of the new bridge that is currently under construction. Too steep for me!

We thought these support towers were a little funny. Kinda hard to feel confident about these things when they are leaning so much.

We were sad to say goodbye, but have the feeling we will be back before too much time passes. Thanks again Stacy & Mark for a wonderful weekend and for being such great hosts & tour guides!

Ice Skating

Ice, snow (yes, snow!) & friends... What a fun night of ice skating with the YW!

Emily, Rachel, Shauna, Olivia, Deborah, Lola, Keana, Shelby, Chelsea & Brittany

Lola still getting the hang of it

Lola & Keana in the practice area.

Brittany, Keanaa & Shauna getting all laced up before they hit the ice.

Shelby, Emily, Abby, Jenn, Keana, Keana, Lola, Brittany, Shauna, Deborah, Chelsea, Olivia & Rachel

Get your finances in order with a FREE BOOK DOWNLOAD

One of my goals for 2009 is to increase my emergency savings fund. This year I plan to add 3-6 months of actual living expenses to our emergency savings account. Should something unexpected happen, I want to know that Tim and I are covered. Most of you probably already know that I actually enjoy making (and keeping under) our household budget and finding more ways to save. No, really- I do! It's a game to me & I love it! Sticking to our spending plan brings me peace of mind and really keeps us from making financial mistakes.

If you visit Oprah.com today (Thursday, January 8, 2009) you can download Suze Orman's latest book, Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan, FOR FREE! The free download expires Thursday, January 15th @ 11:59pm Central Time. The book covers topics such as credit, investing, savings, spending, real estate, and more. I haven't read the book yet (I just downloaded it), but am eager to get some more information to make 2009 even better for our finances.

What a great way to kick off a prosperous 2009!

A Very Merry Christmas!

It's been a while since we last posted anything on our blog. Oh, how time flies... It's hard to believe that this year is practically over and 2009 is literally just days away. This year has been busy, but wonderful!

We enjoyed a great Christmas with our family. It's nice having both of our families so close to each other- Tim's family & Jenn's mom & sister live about 2 miles fom each other, so that makes it convenient for us on holidays!

We stayed up late Christmas Eve installing our new TV in our bedroom, and enjoyed sleeping in on Christmas morning. So relaxing! We had a feast of a lunch with Tim's family, and then stuffed ourselves with more food and good company with Jenn's side of the family for a nice Christmas dinner.

Our 5 year old nephew was the photographer for the night.

Just us

Our nephew, Cristian. Isn't he adorable?

Brian & Annie

Lisa

Jenn & Gabriel

Mom & Grandpa

Advanced Screening of Twilight!

Yesterday, my friend Beka & I got to go to an advanced screening of Twilight! We had to get there a bit early and hope to get in. We ended up getting to the front of the line, thanks to one of her co-workers who got the passes for her. We had a great time and got to enjoy Twilight 2 full days earlier than we had anticipated! We're still going with the girls to the midnight showing on Thursday :) Woohoo!

It was SO good! While the movie had to cut out several parts from the book for time reasons, we really thought they did a great job. Plus, there were some new parts not originally in the book. I won't give away any specifics since most everyone will be at the theater on opening day. I hope they make enough money to start filming the rest of the sequels!

Thanks for inviting me Beka! I had a great time!

A Wonderful Birthday

Tim & I both took the day off of work to celebrate my birthday. Every year I seem to have pure chaos at work and end up having to stay super late on my birthday. Murphy's law, I suppose. So, we took the day off and relaxed! It was so nice to sleep in and enjoy the day. We didn't do a single bit of cleaning or other housework, even though it did need to get done. That alone is reason to celebrate!

Tim made me a yummy breakfast and we played some WiiFit for a while. While I don't have a picture to prove it, my WiiFit age is 25. Woo-hoo! Compared to Tim's 44, I felt pretty good. I mean, if it would have told me I was in my 50's, well... I guess that may not have been the best way to start out my birthday.

We hung out, went to lunch, and caught a good double-header of basketball games on TV. Tim gave me an iPod nano- yay! With as much time as I spend in the car for work, I have been wanting one for a while! I got Tim an iPod a few years ago. He uses it all the time, so I never wanted to borrow it to use in the car while he would use it during the day. It was a gift to him afterall. But, now I have one of my own- it's all loaded up and ready for the meetings I have to drive to tomorrow :) Thanks Tim- I love it!

We had a fantastic dinner at BJ's, one of our favorite spots, and finished the day with a delicious chocolate dream pie! Mmmmm!!!

While most dread turning another year older, each year keeps getting better and better for me! I'm looking forward to another great year!

WiiFit

We just got a new toy today- the WiiFit. Nintendo describes the WiiFit as "a combination of fitness and fun, designed for everyone, young and old. By playing Wii Fit a little every day, you, your friends, and your family can work towards personal goals of better health and fitness." Tim just set it up and is trying it out. We are already burning lots of calories from all the laughing we are doing! There are activities and games, and even a trainer to help reach your fitness goals. You first get weighed and "assessed". Here is the result of Tim's first test: Balance.

I couldn't stop laughing when these results came on the screen.

Tim's WiiFit age:44. Ouch!

Headbutting soccerballs

I never thought I'd see Tim doing Yoga!

And the best part? The videos of course!


Look! It's Hula-Hooping Tim!

Dodging shoes and headbutting soccer balls!

Tomorrow, it's my turn to try it out! Uh-oh!

Abby's Baby Shower / Girls Lunch

To celebrate Abby's soon-to-arrive 2nd daughter, we had a fun girl's lunch. Great food, great company & really yummy chocolate- can't go wrong there! Abby, we are so excited for you & can't wait to meet your sweet little girl! Wish we would have taken the pictures earlier while Jaycee was still there. I guess that's what Photoshop is for!