IT'S A BOY!

After 5 months of excitement about expecting our first child, we finally found out that we are having A BOY! We are so excited! We were all convinced it would be a girl. I don't quite know why, but we were surprised when we found out we're having a boy.


We can now finally start shopping for cute little boy things and decorate his room. The baby's room is already blue, so we can already mark "paint the nursery" off our checklist. Tim is happy about that. We can't wait to meet our little guy in 4 months! Here are some pictures from the ultrasound.

Oh Wise Sensei...

Summer is here! Seminary is over for this school year. As the teacher of the Seniors, Tim was in charge of graduation (again)- I guess it goes along with the territory. The graduation went perfectly- it was a great night of celebration. Brother Marriott made the most unbelievable spread of homemade cheesecakes- including chocolate, raspberry, cookies & cream, and rocky road! They were delicious! He has already agreed to wow everyone again for next year's graduation. Woohoo!

Tim had a really fun group of students this year. They look up to him like some sort of superhero. An Asian superhero, apparently. His students have dubbed him "Sensei" and only refer to him by this title. Even our Stake President now refers to Tim as Sensei. Here are a two pictures of a few students with their Sensei.

Unlike his students, Sensei doesn't get to sleep in all day and lounge around the whole summer. But, he does get an extra hour of sleep every day and has 3 months to prepare for the next group of grasshoppers.

Scripture Bowl

In addition to waking up super early and going to Seminary every day at 6am, every year the Seminary students participate in a Scripture Bowl where they are given clues and race to find specific scriptures. Tim's class had 4 teams of 4 participate this year. The topic was the New Testament. Last year Tim's class lost by a few points and vowed that they would claim a victory for 2009. They talked it up all year long, deeming themselves "Hahn's Army", and proved that they weren't just talking the talk. They studied and practiced and ended up winning 1st place. Here are some of the pictures of the winning team.

Tim & the winning team, making an "H" for Hahn's Army

Overall, it was a fun night and all of the youth proved that they know their stuff! They were unbelievably fast at finding the correct scriptures. It was amazing to me that it took most of them less than a few seconds to correctly identify and turn to the scripture. The lightning round was even faster, and one of Tim's students won that feat too. Next year's students have a lot to live up to!

5 Year Anniversary!

5 years ago... one of our engagement pictures

Today marks our 5 year anniversary! Happy Anniversary Tim! I was thinking about how far we have come in the last 5 years and am amazed at how much we have grown.

In the last 5 years we:

1. Rented our 1st apartment together
2. Bought 3 new cars
3. Celebrated Tim's college graduation
4. Went from being a 1-income household to a 2-income household
5. Went from having jobs to having careers
6. Took some amazing vacations (especially LOVED the cruises to the Caribbean and Hawaii)
7. Bought our first house!
8. Learned all about what it takes to be a homeowner (remember the water pipe that burst under our house? That was umm... an experience!
9. Kept to our budget
10. Took fun weekend getaways
11. Started out with no pets and then added Echo & Bandit to our family. Love them boys!
12. Went from being busy to insanely busy. Oh, how we learned to be more efficient!
13. Laughed more than we thought possible
14. Have grown in so many ways together
15. Learned firsthand how wonderful marriage is!

Next year, we'll be able to add having a baby to this list! I'm sure there are a million things I forgot to include. But, you always seem to remember the things that I forget, so I guess it all works out! I'm so grateful we can share our lives together! I couldn't imagine it any other way. You are a wonderful husband and friend, and I know you'll be a great dad soon. I count myself lucky to spend each day with you. It's been an amazing 5 years- here's to LOTS more! Happy Anniversary Tim- I love you!

Our wedding day!

Mmm..... my new favorite (chocolate) snack!

I just found my new favorite chocolate snack. It's only 150 calories and takes 30 seconds in the microwave. I was in need of something chocolate at work this afternoon and remembered I had stashed one of these in my desk drawer. I actually received it in the mail as a free sample from Betty Crocker (and it came with a coupon- even better!). It's the Betty Crocker Warm Delights Mini Bowls. I had the Molten Chocolate Cake flavor. They come in two sizes: regular and mini. The minis come in a 2 pack & 1 was just the right size for my afternoon snack and it's only 150 calories! I'm definintely picking some of these up during my next trip to the grocery store and keeping them at my desk. Mmmm.....

Big News!

For those of you who haven't heard (word has traveled fast already!), we have some BIG news to share! On October 30, 2009 we are expecting a BABY!! Not only is this our first baby, but our baby is due on my birthday! We are so excited!! No word yet on whether it's a boy or girl, but we'll find out in June!

6 Ways to Train Your Boyfriend (or Husband)...

I found this online and thought it was pretty funny and held some truth.



6 Ways to Train Your Boyfriend


We don’t believe men are dogs, but some behavior-molding techniques used on canines and other beasts can work on a guy. You may never have to nag again.


“You can’t change a man” is one of the oldest clichés in the book. Well, we just discovered some news that challenges that notion, and it comes from an unlikely source: animal trainers.“



Males are card-carrying members of the animal kingdom, and they exhibit a lot of the same behaviors as many other mammals,” says Amy Sutherland, author of What Shamu Taught Me About Life, Love, and Marriage: Lessons for People from Animals and Their Trainers. “So they’re likely to respond to some of the same training techniques.”



Sutherland is speaking from experience. After spending a year at an exotic-animal training school, watching students in action, she successfully applied the techniques to her husband. In less than a few months, she was able to curb some of his undesirable traits.We know you so want in on this. That’s why Cosmo uncovered time-tested methods used by the most successful animal trainers on the planet. Then we got top psychologists to show you how to apply those techniques to your guy. Read on and you will soon be able to teach him some new tricks.



BOYFRIEND BUMMER 1: He’s Allergic to Chores

Indulge His Playfulness



As Used on ChimpanzeesThese primates are big mischief makers, so getting them to calm down can be a real chore. Luckily, if you indulge their silly side, you have a good shot at getting them to pay attention. “When we need the chimps to perform a task, we get on their level and play with them for 5 or 10 minutes,” says Eugene Cussons, rescue director on Animal Planet’s Escape to Chimp Eden. Once they’ve had some fun, they’re more willing to heed commands because they instinctively know it’s their turn to return the favor.



Apply It to Your Guy: No matter how old they are, men never quite lose touch with the playful, naughty boy within. Too bad they often pick the worst times to bring out that brat — like when you’re running late for work or need them to do something around the house. To get what you need done, “indulge him with a few minutes of acting goofy,” says Anthony Riche, PhD, author of Finally! How to Stop Dating Losers Forever. Then tell him you’ll finish playing with him later, as long as he takes out the trash or does whatever else you need him to do. Since his mind and body are now surging with feel-good chemicals from your brief, fun exchange, he’s less likely to wrinkle his nose at the request, says Riche. Use this technique consistently and, over time, he’ll be less likely to associate chores with drudgery.


BOYFRIEND BUMMER 2: He Lacks Social Graces

Reward the Good, Ignore the Bad



As Used on Dogs Pretraining, a pup will sniff crotches and paw at people’s legs. The instinct is to shoo it away, but that only makes it want to sniff and paw more. “Instead, trainers reward the dog when it behaves and ignore any actions they don’t like,” says Sutherland. Since dogs crave affection, they slowly begin to avoid bad habits and opt for good ones.



Apply It to Your Guy: Perhaps your man could use some finessing when it comes to social situations too — say, to curb his habit of telling off-color jokes. When he engages in unseemly behavior, your immediate reaction might be to tell him to knock it off already. But that tactic invariably falls on deaf ears.“



Men don’t want to be treated like children, and if you correct him, he’ll feel like you’re mothering him,” says Patricia Covalt, PhD, author of What Smart Couples Know. Instead, ignore him when he’s being obnoxious, and give him some PDA (think a kiss or a tap on the butt) when he’s acting sweet. Since guys — like dogs — aim to please, he’ll instinctively begin to avoid the behavior that makes you freeze him out. One caveat: Timing is crucial. Be sure to reward him at the exact moment he engages in a positive behavior; otherwise, he won’t be able to make the appropriate connection.



BOYFRIEND BUMMER 3: He Bolts When You Argue

Keep a Cool Head



As Used on Horses: Beneath the powerful stallion exterior lies a skittish animal. “That’s why they generally respond well to a calming voice and touch from trainers,” says Patricia Barlow-Irick, PhD, equine-behavior specialist in New Mexico.



Apply It to Your Guy: Like horses, men seem to be hardwired to want to bolt at the first sound of irritation. So even if he’s been working your last nerve, try to approach him in a cool, collected manner (remember, as hard as it sounds, this is all going to benefit you in the end). For instance, if you are pissed that he hasn’t been planning enough date nights or can’t stand when he forgets to call while he’s out, your instinct might be to yell or get huffy. Instead, keep your composure by taking a few minutes alone before you approach him, then speak in a quiet, even-toned voice. “



Calmly telling him what he did wrong will make it easier for him to tune in to what you’re saying,” says Covalt. Touch also plays a crucial role in this scenario: Place your hand on his as you speak. Not only does this buffer the blow of your words, but it also mimics the comforting way a trainer strokes a horse’s mane to calm the animal down.


BOYFRIEND BUMMER 4: He Stands His Ground

Use Proper Body Language



As Used on Cougars: When trainers want a cougar to bend to their will, they find a middle ground. “Instead of trying to submit or dominate a cougar, trainers try to form a cooperative relationship,” says Sutherland. They walk tall with squared-off shoulders. This stance ensures that the trainers don’t look like prey but they’re not threatening either.



Apply It to Your Guy: Even the most liberated guy can feel emasculated by a fearless chick. So when you’re having a sticky conversation with him, he might be unconsciously bristling at your body language. “If you’re standing really close to him with your hands on your hips and your feet wide apart, he’ll get defensive and instinctively want to fight back,” says body-language expert Patti Wood, author of Success Signals. Similarly, if you stand meekly and tilt your head while talking to him, he might take it as a sign that you’re too submissive. “The best way to stay on equal ground is to stand with good posture, your head up, and an open frame so he sees you as being on the same level as he is. This way, he’ll be more apt to want to talk things through with you,” says Wood.



BOYFRIEND BUMMER 5: He Won’t Drag His Butt Off the Couch

Approach Him at the Right Time



As Used on Lions: Lions are, in a word, lazy. According to trainers, they sleep for up to 20 hours a day and only move when they see it as beneficial to themselves. “Trying to get a lion to do something when it’s in resting mode can be very difficult and even dangerous,” says lion wrangler Dave Salmoni, host of Animal Planet’s After the Attack. “That’s why we make use of the animal’s active time instead of trying to force it into doing something it doesn’t want to when it’s chilling.”



Apply It to Your Guy: A man in veg-out mode is unlikely to move his rear no matter how much you try to engage him. “You have to gauge when he’s in a productive mood and then pounce to get him to do what you want,” says Riche. If you notice that he prefers working out in the morning, that’s a good time to ask him to help you clean when he’s finished. If you need something done during his downtime and don’t want to wait, bribe him. “Motivate him by making it worth his while,” says Riche. When you feel like you haven’t been able to have a heart-to-heart but he’s in a coma in front of the TV, try plying him with his favorite snack. If his cravings for the food outweigh his interest in the TV, he’ll eventually cave.


BOYFRIEND BUMMER 6: He’s Not Romantic

Take Baby Steps



As Used on Elephants: These mammals can learn a variety of tasks but only on an incremental time line. “A trainer would never expect an animal to learn something without teaching it how to do it,” says Sutherland. For example, if trainers want an elephant to paint as part of a circus act, they’ll first show the animal how to curl its trunk around the brush. Next, they’ll have it dip the brush into the paint. Only then would they show it how to create brush strokes. Animal trainers call this process of using small steps toward learning a new behavior successive approximations.



Apply It to Your Guy: The average guy is plenty romantic, but he’s not hardwired to plan out the little details. So if you can’t remember the last time he put together a sexy night in for you both, you’ll have to show him the way. Start by staging your apartment with cues that get you going, like candles and a sultry soundtrack. Have your favorite chilled wine on hand so you can ask him to open it before dinner. This creates a ritual in his mind. Eventually, not only will he get a sense of what your romantic needs are, but he’ll also start making a game plan of his own.


Find this article at: http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/relationships/train-boyfriend

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