You know it's finals when......

Last week I was busy cleaning while being oh so quiet so that I wouldn't disturb my hard at work hubby while he studied for his finals. I knew how hard his numerous exams were going to be and that he really needed to be able to concentrate and focus on all the material he was covering. Well, well, well, upon entering our family room we see that Trav was definitely hard at work studying--the backs of his eyelids. The best part was that he was wearing his cop ear plugs so he couldn't hear me scurry along my fastest to re-charge the battery of our dead camera and then climb and balance on the couch [nearly falling off] in order to get this spectacular full body shot. A pretty good one if I do say so myself! P.S. he did great on his finals!!! Those eyelids of his are amazing at helping him retain information.....

Wallet, Keys, Colorful Words-what an experience!

I have been ill for the past 9 days with sinus rubbish-AWFUL-so finally I made a Dr.'s appointment and oh, some things happened at the appointment that just really put the icing on the cake. I get to the clinic, walk in and look in my purse; alas, my wallet is missing! I’ve been soooo out of it lately that I have no clue as to where it could be. I think and pray, “it must be on the seat in the car.” I weakly stumble out to the car and to no avail, it is not there. I am winded, thus get in the car and frantically call Jill at work to rummage through my office for my wallet-woooooo hooooooo-it’s there. I get my credit card number from her and then get up, get out of the car and shut the door as I think to myself, “my keys.” Yep, they are inside the locked door on the seat. I have NEVER locked myself out of a car. So a fast and awful reaction that comes out of me quite loudly with a bit of annoyance, despair, and an attitude to back it up, “Holy SH#@$T!” Right after this happenstance, I look over to see an old couple at the rear of my car merely headed towards Grace Clinic. Yes, two very old, very cute and very innocent elderly folks strollin’ along that are on their way for a check up. I think my colorful words suprised, disturbed and scarred them both; or at least that is what I got from the looks on their faces. Did I mention, the husband was pushing the wife in a wheel chair?! The wheel chair tops it off for me feeling ashamed, horrible, sorrow for my sins- you name it. What am I to do-no wallet, I’m sick, no keys, I’ve cursed in front of old folks, what next? I call myself to repentance then act fast and look at the back seat door thinking, “yeah right,” nonetheless I try it any way. “Holy Thank YOU,” this time Holy is followed by 'good' words and a little prayer of repentance-it is unlocked. Ordinarily the door would always be locked, however, thank goodness we’ve been driving one of Trav’s Law School buddies to school and he forgot to lock his door yesterday. Needless to say, he deserves a shout out-Jeremy, I love you!!! In the end, I saw the Dr.-in and out and got back to work almost within the hour. What an hour-or shall I say 5 minute span that was aye?!?! P.S. I'm feeling much better-thanks for caring!!

Griffey Hits 600!

If I were to ever consider an athlete my “hero” it would have to be Ken Griffey Jr. I remember back in 1989 when I was in 5th grade and Griffey began his career with the Mariners. I remember my dad taking me to Washington to see him play. He’s been an incredible player to watch and now he has joined only 5 other players in baseball history to hit 600 home runs--and two of the 5 had to cheat to reach 600--GO GRIFFEY!!!

Sleep is Presh!!!

This lump in the bed is Trav actually sleeping in-well worth documenting


A pic of me after awakening a fabulous night of REM sleep-ahhhhh how refreshing-the hair tells it all!!!


Okay, I know all of you will agree that sleep is precious and oh so very sacred. This past weekend-Memorial Day weekend-us Hanson's really enjoyed some well deserved rest. Trav, being the mornin' person he is usually is up and at em' on a Saturday morning at 6:30/7-ridiculous if you ask me. Thus, he was begged by yours truly to SLEEP IN so that I wouldn't get woken up and feel guilty for going back to sleep. Well on Saturday, he took me up on this offer. He actually popped some tylenol PM on Friday night so that he could surely sleep in. You know your husband loves you if he will take OTC sleep medication for you right?! Any how, I slept until 9:30 and Trav's tylenol, not to mention his 1st year law school sleep deprived body, kept him out until 10:45-wooooo hoooooo-mission accomplished!! This actually goes down in Hanson history as being the latest and greatest sleep time for me hubby. I should slip him more pills every weekend because sleep is precious and well deserved for us. AMEN and a special THANKS to all the people who put time and effort in to the creation of Tylenol PM-this Hanson record couldn't have taken place without you. However, my hair in the picture is a completely different story.............

Lack of blogging...

Lately, nothing exciting has taken place, thus no new posts. Until something does come up, enjoy these pictures. Anyone ever been this scared of something?

One year of law school down, two to go! (And a semester of summer school in order to get a joint degree in financial planning). Also, Trav starts a great job tomorrow working for Westlaw, which is one of the two major legal research companies in the nation. The job will last up until the bar exam.

Have a great break because it all starts over in 9 days!

A SHOUT OUT TO GREAT FRIENDS!!

While at Cam and Tia's weddin' our three bestest friends in SLC stopped by to celebrate our returning home to them. It was oh so FABULOUS seeing them-and it made us miss them incredibly. At least we were able to see them for the short time we did. They are such troopers for coming out to see us (but they truly benefitted from the experience-shrimp, ice cream bar, luxurious ambiance etc.). We miss them and dedicate this post to them--here's a shout out to the most fun, not to mention sexiest couples in the SL Valley!!! Love Ya Dre, Matty poo, Heidster and Mark Mark bo Bark -- P.S. CRUISE in March of '09 (Spring Break)-shlap it on your calendars now cuz it'll be here before we know it!! P.S. this is a FOR SURE THANG!!

The Weddin' in SLC

The Beautiful Temple in the shining sun-oh boy, the sun was deceiving-it was FREEZING COLD out there!

The Bowen Clan and the newly weds-poor Dax was sick and not enjoying taking pictures in the cold weather

Bridesmaids Galore

Post Temple Pic-I'm in shock and in a hypothermic state-trying to defrost from the oh so cold windy weather

Ahhh shucks, I'm defrosted at this point and we are the happiest couple of them all. P.S. My aunt does the best job on flowers-check out my bouquet-AMAZING!!!

It's a PARRRTAY-dancing and singing the night away

Still dancing and singing........

Dad stealing a kiss from his little girl

The cake had been cut, the dancing had come to a close, the reception was being cleaned up and it was still cold so yes, I turned to my jacket (that i wish were a coat) and my pj bottoms. They go great with the dress don't ya think?!

The Happy Couple saying their final goodbye!!

Here are just a couple pics of the joyous event. All I have left to say is that weddings are great, but are certainly crazy events. Congrats Cam and Tia--the BEST of luck to y'all!!!

I NEED A GOOD READ....

Hey EVERYONE-I'm on my way to Utard this weekend for Cambo's weddin' and I'm in dire need of a great book. Please holler out some suggestions on great reads. If not, it will be a long trip to the good ol' beehive state. Any ideas??...............

Moving Moment...

I don't want to say much about this except recognize it was my favorite part of conference. It truly was a special moment.

Mmmmm mmmmm smelly!

Smell is such a grand ol' thing. If you know me, then you know that my sense of smell is extremely strong. Yes siree, my olfactory nerves are on steroids of some type and are powerful lil' buggars. This can either go for or against me. I want to talk about the first. I mean, smell is a wonderful thing. It is directly linked to memory and therefore, can bring us back to all the great times in life. Any how, here are some of my favorite smells-in no particular order I might add.....

• BBQ-especially w/ charcoal
  
• Freshly Cut Grass
  
• Popcorn-this is making my mouth water
  
• Cookies or a Bread-like Baked Goods-also the hot french bread at the grocery store-I am quick to smell it.
  
• The Rain-so clean and so fresh
  
• Trav’s cologne
  
• Malt-O-Meal Tootie Fruities—sweet, yet tangy
  
• Ice Cream Parlors-frozen cream and sugar puts a smile on my face
  
• Theme Parks-Sugar+Popcorn+Churros+People= FUN
  
• My grandpa or dad’s garage-mixture of paint thinner, gas cans-all the good stuff
  
• The smell of the snow blower on a cold snowy morning-LOVE IT

These are some of my faves, just to name a few. How about you....

Our Trip to DALLAS!!!

We started our trip off at the Dallas Zoo. It had been quite some time since we'd been to a zoo so we thought, "what the hay......"

I know it, my nostrils are sexy!!!


The elephants-so big and oh so wrinkly


I make one sexy otter don't ya think?!

Say CHEEEEEEEESE! Watch out or I'll spit on ya.


Gotta love the rhino-what a crazy looking animal

All in all, our day at the zoo was GREAT FUN!!! We loved looking at all the animals, better yet, we loved the smell in the air- a mixture of cotton candy, popcorn, and animal. It made us reminisce about the good ol' days of going to the zoo when we were little. BUMMER, Dallas didn't have the machines that make the plastic/wax animals, therefore, we did not bring home any souvenirs. C'est la vie-these pics will have to do.

Easter in Dallas

After attending church in Dallas, we decided to go into the big city and look around a bit. This picture does a huge injustice to how HUGE Dallas really is. All the same-here's one small glimpse of it.

HOPPY EASTER--this is us attempting to make our mouths the shape of an Easter egg.



This is an exciting time on our Dallas trip. We go to the drive thru at McDonald's and Trav is expecting a disappointment. For some reason, TX McDonald's don't carry his spicy mc'chicken sandwiches like they do in UT. Well, not only did this McDonald's carry his fave sandwich, they ONLY had the spicy ones. Look at the light in his eyes and the excitment in his smile. I tell you what-it's kinda like Christmas morning for this here heart attack in a sack.


We also went to the 6th floor museum where J.F.K.'s assassin shot him from (the 2nd window down on the right). This was a really neat experience. It was interesting learning all of the theories behind what "really" happened.

"X" marks the spot where J.F.K.'s convertible car was when he got shot. This would have been so surreal to have been there when it actually took place.

The Galleria Mall

Our hotel in Dallas was right next to the Galleria mall. This is a 4 story mall containing over 150 stores, tons of restaurants, and an indoor skating rink in the middle of it all. Who'd thunk it to put a skating rink in a mall-crazy!?

Showing off my ice skating skills-practicing on land before ice.

Look at how cute this guy is.

From time to time, we'd take breaks from walking around the mall and just chill on the nice couches they provided for tired tourists like us. P.S. We LOVED Dallas and look forward to going back ASAP!!!

My Kiddish Taste Buds

Slicing of the turkey

I know that we all have those treats and foods that we ate when we were little that we still have a hankering for. My hankering is no longer for the cheese injected hot dogs (but they still are good), rather, a short stack consisting of crackers, cheese, and turkey. Some might call it a home made lunchable, I call it a circus in my mouth!! I love this heavenly little stack of yumminess. In fact, I eat this cracker feast on a daily basis for lunch. My kiddish taste buds never get sick of it. Travis, along with all my co-workers, find this hillarious because it actually involves preparation and lots of order. First, I cut all the turkey in little square-esque pieces. Second, i use string cheese (a food of the gods) and string out the perfect size for each little cracker. Also, I must add that I use Thin Triangular Shaped Triscuits and throw in a pretzel, ritz or saltine every now and then. Then, when the feast is in order---I EAT!!! Yummy-I LOVE this dish. It's definitely a FAVE of mine. It's just one of the great foods and orderly Quirks that I have. How about you...any kiddish feasts taking place on your palate?

Stringing of the Cheese

The Finished Product-organized, even portions and mmm mmm good!

Eggs of Decadence-What's your fave?

Every year around this time the weather starts getting a little warmer, flowers start blooming, the days become longer and best of all (for Trav and me) the Easter candy is stocked from shelf to shelf at the grocery store. Yes folks, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that Easter candy is by far the BEST candy of the whole year. I mean, Cadbury Eggs (Creamy, Snickers, Carmel etc.), Reeses Peanut Butter Eggs, Gummy Eggs, and one of our favorite Jelly Beans. Let me clarify Jelly Beans for you. I’m not meaning the fancy shmancy jelly bellies or even the Starburst kind, I’m talking about the No Name brand-white, pink, purple, orange, green, black, and yellow $.50/bag jelly beans of juicy goodness. Oooooh, my mouth waters just thinking of them. Seriously, if you’d like to experience an Exuberant Tasting CIRCUS in your mouth, go to your nearest family grocer and purchase any of the egg candy mentioned above. I’m hoping you already have some within hands grasp. If not, get to it. Also, share with us what some of your favorite Easter Treats are. We’d love to hear about it.

For the LOVE of being tagged

It had been a while since I've participated in a tagging, so I thought "heck, why not." I hope you enojoy some interesting tid bits of Trav and my relationship!! :)

How long have you been married? A little over 3.5 years-sheesh, time flies!

How long did you date? We met right after I graduated from High School June '00. We then dated for 2.5 years and then I went on a mission. I got home from my mission and we finally got married. All in all-4.5 years of dating.

How old is he? 29

How old are you? 26-our B-days only one day apart too.

Who said "I love you" first? Trav did.

Who eats more? Trav, by a LONG shot!

Who sings better? I do-he loves music, but rarely sings.

Who's smarter? We are both smart, but he is incredibly smart!

Who does the laundry? We both do, but me mostly.

Who does the dishes? We both do, but me mostly, again.

Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? He does.

Who pays bills? Him all the way. He's a money/investment/savings/retirement guru.

Who mows the lawn? The beauty of living in an apt.-neither of us mow. However, at our house in SLC he mowed the lawn.

Who cooks dinner? Me on the weekends, but both of us during the week. F.Y.I. if you ever eat with us, you'll most likely- 98% of the time get some sort of wrap or burrito. (with a Claussen pickle).

Who's more stubborn? I think that he is. I wonder what he thinks?.....

Who kissed who the first time? Well, we dated for almost a month before kissing. For me, it had to be meaningful. He was very patient with me and when we did, I’d have to say it was a team effort.

Who asked who out? Trav asked me out. We met country dancing and then he left for Moab with some friends. He then called me on his way home to ask me out. Upon answering the phone, I forgot his name and what he looked like. I knew NOTHING about him, however, I said “yes.” Thank goodness he wasn’t a mass murderer or something.

Who proposed? He did, in the most creative way I should add.

Who has more siblings? It’s a tie-we both have 2 brothers. I’m the loner gal of both families and would die to have a sister!! I do have sister-in-laws that i'm grateful for!

Who wears the pants in the family? We both occupy a leg, but I fulfill the booty a bit more in some areas and him in others.

Guess who we met?

Last weekend Bill Clinton came to Lubbock, TX. Trav, being an AVID Bill Clinton (not necessarily Hillary) fan has always wanted to see him speak. Well, we did and it was an awesome and surreal experience. After listening to Bill Campaign for Hillary-2 hours mind you, he came out to where we were and started shaking hands. I was able to capture a little of it on my phone-not the best footage, but better than nothing. All in all, Trav and I were able to shake his hand multiple times, I also grasped on to his arm and gave a high five. "Good times, noodle salad!" P.S. if you'd like to hear me being impatient, ready to meet Bill-push pause on the music playlist

Squeeky Clean and lovin' it!

For me, there's nothing like a clean apartment and or office. I have fallen in love with this product. They are simple little wipes containing clorox-a great cleaning agent and a touch of lemon that adds a little zest. These little wet sheets are my new obsession. If you didn't know, I'm quite the GERMAPHOBE (boy that's an understatement). I hate germs and get sick all too easily, therefore, am constantly trying to stay away from all germs. These little heaven sent wipes do just the trick. Every day before work, I give my office a thorough wipe down. From my computer mouse, keyboard, and the phone, to all my pens---I clean it all!!! Obsessed much, yes-but I haven't gotton sick for a good 4 months (knock on wood)!!!! Oh yeah, lets not forget about the 50 oz. bottle of hand sanatizer on my desk too :) Squeeky clean is the name and cleanin' is the game.

Everyday I take a small break during my law school studies and try and defeat the toughest boxers in the world. This is a collection of what I think are the most challeging. (The first fight with Bald Bull is pretty easy, the second time around is another story. Soda Popinski is pretty tough but nowhere near as tough as Super Macho Man and Tyson). What makes it even more difficult is having to use a computer keyboard over the original joystick. Anyway, many of you probably remember the old Nintendo days, back when video games were at their best. I missed them so much I downloaded all of them onto my computer, but most are too annoying to play without a joystick so I have stuck with Mike Tyson's Punch Out.