A Year in Pictures & Goals

Just look how our little baby has transformed into a little girl.



She definitely looks like Ryan.



I'm looking forward to 2010. 2009 was a year of learning and growth, which was good but tough at times. I've been thinking about my goals for 2010. Not just the goals themselves, but how I'm going to set myself up to achieve those goals.

For 2010 I want to:

* Be a roll around, on the floor Mom. I want to make sure I'm truly interacting with Zoe every day. It's easy to get lost in our routine and I want to make sure she gets my full attention in the short time we have together in the evenings.

* have weekly Family Home Evening. This has been hard this past few months with Ryan being in school on Monday nights, but after spending FHE with the Stauffers, I really want to have this a weekly time together.

* Finish projects. I have lots of ideas floating around in my head that I get supplies for, but find it hard to complete these projects. My goal is to do one a week. I've already got my list for the first 20 weeks.



I have a few other personal goals too, but these are my Top 3.



Have you made your 2010 goals/resolutions?

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

The Christmas Dress

Here's Zoe in her Christmas dress, after Christmas. This was the best shot I could get. She's sitting in her new Ikea chair.

In this picture, you can see the bump/scratch on her forehead. We have no idea where it came from. She woke up one morning and there it was.

Zoe got bit today at daycare. It didn't break the skin, but guess what they were fighting over?

A mickey doll.

{I think she might be a little too attached}

This week is another 4 day work week, we'll be spending the holiday chilling out and enjoying the company of friends.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

Christmas Recap

We've been so busy with family and getting back to our routine, I haven't had a chance to post about our Christmas this year.



Christmas eve, I had to work, so I didn't get home until the late afternoon. After I got home, we all got changed and headed over to the Humbert"s. We had homemade pizza for dinner, we each got to make our own. I went with my standard pepperoni and black olive :) We enjoyed spending time with Ryan's family that evening, Great Grandma Humbert was there too. Zoe always has a good time there. Grandma read her some Christmas stories even though she was a little distracted. When the evening was winding down, we took Zoe home and put her to bed in her cute Christmas jammies.

Then Ryan and I got to work. We filled stockings and pulled out all the remaining gifts. We cuddled up and watched a movie and headed to bed.

Christmas morning, 8 am. Zoe was still sleeping, and we had to get over to the in-laws by 9am. so we woke her up. She's a lot like her mama, and doesn't appreciate being woken up. She started crying and I had to carry her out to the family rooom to show her her presents.

She stopped crying as soon as she saw her tricycle. We had stacked up some of her other presents on the seat of the bike and she pushed them off so she could sit on it! I was so happy that she loved it! Now she sits on it and says, " Vroom, Vroom." She can barely reach the pedals but she loves to sit on it.

Then we headed over to the Humbert's again, in our pjs and enjoyed a yummy breakfast and lots of presents.

After that, Naps for all!!



It was a wonderful Christmas filled with lots of joy and cheer. We did take our Christmas tree down the day after Christmas, it was getting a little to crispy for my comfort. Since the tree was going down, all the rest of the decorations came down too. So we're ready for our fresh start in 2010.

December Daily: Dec. 25

{We wish you a Merry Christmas!}

December Daily: Dec. 24

{Santa Claus is coming to town.}

December Daily: Dec. 23

{Cheese Fries}

To most of you I realize that a picture of cheese fries is *not* Christmas related, but let me explain why in this case it is.

Growing up in Denver, as a young teen, my mom would often drop me and my sister and/or friends off at the mall for the afternoon. The Southglenn Mall also had a little restaurant names All-Variety's Sandwiches. We used to call it All-V's. They had the best cheese fries. We got cheese fries almost every time we went, while we waited for my Mom to come pick us up.

So today when I was getting lunch, I noticed cheese fries on the menu and got some. { I haven't had these in like 8+ years}

I know it may sound corny, but as soon as I ate one, I was flooded with memories of spending my Christmas breaks at Southglenn Mall with my friends or sisters. Buying large amounts of cheap jewelry from Claire's, buying things from Abercrombie to feel cool, getting GIANT candy cane sticks from Walgreens that lasted weeks.
So although, I won't be enjoying this tasty treat often {for obvious caloric reasons} it was wonderful to remember Denver, and the snow, and being 14, and really good Christmas memories.

Zoe still doesn't really get the Santa concept, but I am so excited for her to see her Santa present, I think it will be a big hit! I'm started to get that nervous Christmas Eve feeling already.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

So to the untrained eye, cheese fries are nothing but junk food; but to me, they hold lots of good memories.

December Daily: Dec. 22

{If I would have sent out Christmas Cards, this is what they would have looked like}

Every year I debate sending Christmas cards. I kinda feel like it would be pointless, considering everyone I would send a card to reads the blog, so I thought it would be kinda redundant.

And then I see all the cute cards that come to my house and I think, maybe I should send them, I like getting cards, maybe others would. But by that time, it's usually December 22nd....and they cards won't get there in time.

So this year, expect a Valentine's Day card instead :)

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

PS. If you would like a Valentine's Day card,

leave a comment with your address and I'll make sure you get one!

{It will probably contain conversation hearts, because I'm in love with them}

December Daily: Dec. 21

Lunch date with Dad at Noodles & Co.
{Beadhead included}

Ok sorry for the week long absence. We were busy and then I got sick, like really sick so I'm starting to catch up on the December Daily posts. you'll have to scroll down and read them.

Ryan is officially done with school! for the next few weeks anyway. We're trying to get over our illnesses while enjoying the holiday season and finishing up last minute wrapping etc.

I'm excited for our next Christmas movie to get here from Netflix, I love watching Zoe point out Santa. {Even though she was scared to sit on his lap}

Since we were sick this week, Zoe didn't get to wear her Christmas Dress :( But she'll wear it next week and I'll take pictures and pretend it was before Christmas :)

XOXO,

Holly & CO.

December Daily: Dec. 20

Don't these look yummy! {there were delicious & my favorite flavor, funfetti!}

Ryan's family made these for me for my birthday.

We didn't really celebrate because we already celebrated in September. Which turned out to be a good thing, because I was sick anyway.

Ryan's family came over anyway, thanks guys for being brave and coming over :)

Thanks for all the birthday wishes and gifts! I have the best family and friends ever!

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily: Dec. 19

{This little girl warms my heart}

Those cheeks are all mine!

Thanks to our friend Aly, we got some great pictures of Zoe this morning. We went to Old town Fair Oaks and she chased the chickens. Aly got great pictures even though Zoe didn't last more than 30 minutes, before she needed to go home for a nap.

Too bad Aly lives in Idaho, but if you're in Idaho and need an awesome photographer, Aly is your girl!

Unfortunately, this is also the day we started to get sick, so I had to miss the Stauffer's Christmas Party. Ryan & Zoe went without me. Ryan said the food was awesome.

{ it always is}

But Jamie gave me the sweetest poem and I wanted to share it.

The Christmas Towel

At first glance, it is easy to look at a towel as a most ordinary object. Have you ever stopped to think that for thousands of years the towel has been used for many wonderful purposes? For example, the mother who wipes the tears of a child to sooth an emotional or physical hurt; the physician who binds the wounds of a bleeding patient; or the woman in her home wiping her hands as she moves from task to task. Perhaps the most significant use of the towel happened nearly two thousand years ago when our Savior, only hours before he hung on the cross, took an ordinary towel in His loving hands and dried the feet of His disciples. This simple, loving act personifies the selflessness and loving service we seek to give during our lives. It illustrates that an ordinary thing like a towel, in the right hands, and with a giving heart, can lighten another's load. As with every action performed by the Savior on this earth, His act of service reminds us that simple day-to-day kindnesses are the Savior's way to bless and comfort. This towel is given with love, and with the hope you will do works of goodness with it as the Savior did so many years ago.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily: Dec. 17

Zoe's last day of Daycare before Christmas.

They made these cute ornaments out of cinnamon applesauce playdoh, it smelled the best.

Ryan is finishing up finals tonight so Zoe and I are staying out of the way.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily: Dec. 14

Zoe's Christmas Dress

Ryan is busy taking finals tonight so Zoe and I went to run some errands. Ever since I saw this dress I knew I wanted it to be Zoe's Christmas dress. I added the red ribbon and I will be making a matching bow or headband, I haven't decided yet.

Like I've said before, I usually sing to Zoe on the way home. She has started to request songs on the way home. I love it. She can sing," Popcorn Popping on the Apricot Tree," And ," The itsy bitsy spider." She does the hand actions too. I got her on video doing the itsy bitsy spider but you can only see one of her hands so I'll try again soon.

Ryan's family is coming into town this week, so we've been practicing names, Zoe is excited to see her cousins and aunt and uncles!

We're hoping to go shopping for ornaments tomorrow.

XOXO,
Holly & Co.

December Daily: Dec. 13

After several weeks of no inspiration, I was finally able to scrapbook.

We also had a lovely dinner with our BFFs the Stauffers. Beef stew, rolls and yummy peanut butter brownies, mmm.
This week we're planning on completing some traditions and fun things we haven't had a chance to do this year. Also, I've past my 200th post and I promised my first giveaway and that's on the schedule. (I didn't forget :)

XOXO,
Holly & Co.

December Daily: Dec. 12

Tonight was our annual ward Christmas party. It started off rough with some miss-communication with another ward, but thanks to my committee and dear friends, the Stauffers, it came together nicely.

Zoe and Santa

Zoe decorating cookies.

Dad and Zoe decorating cookies.

Sorry for the catch-up but the last few days have been a little busy. Thankfully, we only have one other item on the calendar for the rest of the month. Posts should resume back to normal.

XOXO,
Holly & CO.

December Daily: Dec. 11

Last night we were able to finally get out of the house all together. We went to Red Robin for dinner. Zoe got a balloon when we left. It only lasted 10 minutes after we got home, because she and Campbell were playing with it. Luckily, she didn't throw a fit when it popped. Here's cute picture I snagged of her before it popped.



We attempted to make a gingerbread house with Zoe but she was too tired and wasn't grasping the concept. So we put her to bed and Ryan and I put it together.

Ta-Dah!This is the first time I used the self-timer on the camera. It took a few tries, but it worked well.

XOXO,
Holly & CO.

December Daily: Dec. 10

So I missed yesterday. bombed. there was nothing going on Christmas-y, Ryan and I were both tired and I was stressed. so December 10 got skipped.

December Daily: Dec. 9

Ok so I didn't really take this picture, but...Have you seen this? So adorable! I watched it with Zoe on Hulu tonight.

Today was the White Elephant/Potluck Extravaganza! I had 2 different potlucks at work. The first I made the gift tags for, I ended up back with the gift tags. The second, was a bigger one. I arrived a little late, but ended up being first to choose for the white elephant gift exchange. The first gift I opened was a singing gorilla, than it was stolen, so onto the leopard print Santa hat, stolen. The EDS book, stolen. and finally I got a cute little reindeer advent holder.

I don't have a radio or a CD player in my car, so on the drive home I usually sing to Zoe, but today I sang Christmas carols to myself, I was surprised by how many I remembered the words to. I think "Away in a Manger" is my new favorite, the second verse especially. I just love Christmas time!

XOXO,
Holly & CO.

December Daily: Dec. 8

mmm...comfort food.
I had a rough day today, so Ryan made dinner. Homemade pizza and orange juice. Weird combination, I know, but whenever we had pizza as a kid my Mom used to serve it with orange juice...ya know, for the vitamins :)

I have 2 potlucks at work tomorrow, along with white elephant gift exchanges so I made some gift tags as my white elephant gift. I made them using my new Cricut and Cosmo Cricket's Jolly by Golly line.
And, I could really use some, so hopefully no one wants them and I can steal them away:)

XOXO,
Holly & CO.

December Daily: Dec. 7

:::Insert picture of snow at my apartment, which mysteriously disappeared off my camera:::

"Snow, snow, everywhere snow!"

Few will understand that quote, as it is a Morgan family inside joke, but it brought me to out loud laughing today when I thought about it.

It snowed this morning. Yes, there was snow on the ground at my apartment in California. I too am shocked. But thrilled!

Back to the inside joke thing. We all tell stories throughout our lives, bad dates, other people's embarrassing moments which you were privilaged to witness, etc etc. Something we've talked about in our family when we tell these stories, is I wonder if I am the funny story that people tell at parties and get-togethers. It's inevitable that someone, somewhere has told a story at my expense, and I sure hope it brings their family or friends as much entertainment as the stories have done in my family. This is one thing I love about my family. When we're all together playing games or staying up late chatting, these stories seem to come out and put us all in fits of laughter.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily: Dec. 6

Today we made sugar cookies, and they were as delicious as I remember.
We had a lovely time at church today. Zoe is officially in nursery now, so Ryan and I got to enjoy our meetings without her interruption.
Ryan made hamburgers for dinner and the missionaries joined us. Zoe warmed right up to the Elders and was enjoying showing them all her books and stuffed animals.
Here's the recipe for the sugar cookies.

Mom's Awesomely Easy & Delicious Sugar Cookies
3 Cups Flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 Cup butter
2 eggs
1 Cup sugar

Sift dry ingredients except sugar. Cut in butter with pastry blender. Beat eggs in a separate bowl. Add sugar to eggs and beat well. Blend egg mixture into flour mixture. Chill well (8+ hours) Roll to 1/8 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet (airbake) 6-8 minutes at 375 degrees until edges are barely golden. Cool, frost, and enjoy!

I've been wanting to get back to scrapbooking, but lately I've felt uninspired. I'm hoping the pictures I ordered will be here soon and those will inspire me.

XOXO,
Holly & Co.

Decmeber Daily: Dec. 5

This is a little treasure Zoe and I picked up tonight.
There is another one that says "Carrots for Reindeer" I think I'll have to go back and get that one too.
Today has been a busy day. Ryan got up bright and early to help the scouts pass out fliers for Christmas tree pick-up. Zoe and I hung out in Pjs until he got home. We all went out to Roseville for lunch at our favorite place, Noodles. A few errands + a nap brought us to dinner. And now it's time to make cookie dough for tomorrow. Can you guess what tomorrow's picture will be?

XOXO,
Holly & Co.

December Daily: Dec. 4

"You're a mean one...Mr. Grinch"

Ah, classic Christmas. Tonight we watched "How the Grinch stole Christmas" with the Stauffers.

I snapped this picture of E & Z eating kettle corn while watching.
Zoe enjoyed watching Max the Dog and the Who's singing.

I'm really enjoying capturing little moments every day. I can't wait for them to get printed and to put them in a mini book.

XOXO,
Holly & Co.

December Daily: Dec. 3

A little treat for me.

Ginger thins & Cranberry Splash Sierra Mist....mmm.

Tonight was our Ward Relief Society Christmas Party. Lots of yummy food and singing.

Not much else to say as I am tired and feel a cold coming on...Good night...back tomorrow.

XOXO,
Holly & Co.

December Daily: Dec. 2

December 2: We went to go pick out our tree tonight. Zoe ate dinner on the go.

We had to stop at Target to get lights and a tree stand. And Caramel Apple Cider to keep us warm.

We attempted to take a family picture, but got just me and Ryan instead.Zoe wandered around looking for the perfect tree.

The final result.
Right now we only have lights and bows on right now.

We'll save ornaments for another night.

I'm currently making several pans of lemon bars for our Relief Society Christmas Party tomorrow. 7pm. Don't be late.

XOXO,
Holly & Co.

December Daily: Dec. 1st

This year I've really tried to take more pictures, especially of Zoe doing every day things. I've caught some great moments and hope to continue to use my camera more and more. (Reading the manual and learning about all the settings helps a LOT!)

This year I decided to do a project inspired by Ali Edwards called December Daily. Basically, to document all the happenings throughout the holiday season. Ideally, I will advance to something more prestigious, like project 365, but for now, I'm just attempting one month at a time.

Yesterday, was December 1st, but it was also a crazy evening. I didn't get home to relax until after 8pm. I had grand plans to have Zoe start her advent calendar and take pictures of her opening the little box and eating the chocolate figurine, with our Christmas scented candle in the background....but life happens and Zoe was in bed by the time I got home. I decided we'll save the advent calendar picture for another day and took a picture of my Christmas present from my parents that arrived yesterday. Thanks Mom & Dad!

Isn't it pretty? This was my Big Black Friday score! We were waiting and waiting for it to be available online the night before but nothing happened, so we went to bed. Zoe woke me up at 2am, so after I got her back down, I decided to check if it was available, just in case. And it was! 3 or 4 clicks and it was mine. No standing in the cold, no long lines, no biting, fighting or scrambling.

For those of you who don't scrapbook, it's a Cricut machine, which is an electronic die cutter. (Basically, it will cut endless letters and shapes, at any size or on any paper I want) You can look it up on YouTube and watch it at work.

I barely had time to play with it, but am hoping after all the parties die down in the next couple weeks, I'll get to put it to good use.

Onto Dec. 2nd.

XOXO,
Holly & Co.