A Year in Review

Well we're coming to the end of another year. My Mom says that when you become a parent, the days are long but the years are short. So very true.

I made a story board of Zoe for 2010. Still a lot of change this year, but not nearly as much as last year.

Hopefully she'll stop growing for a little bit. She needs to let the other 2.5 year olds catch up.

The new year is always a great time for reflecting and goal setting.

I'm glad at how my goals for 2010 turned out.

2010 was a great year and I can't wait for 2011!

I've already got my goals for 2011 ready and written down. I created this layout for a SC challenge.

(If you'd like to read the goals, you can double click on the image)

And in saying goodbye to 2010, I thought it would be fun to do a top 10 moments/memories in 2010.

1. Zoe's first pony ride.

2. Ryan's acceptance to BYU-I/4.0 his last semester at Sierra.

3. Our double dates with the Stauffers.

4. Summer night yogurt trips.

5. Getting published in a magazine.

6. Our spur of the moment trip to Tahoe.

7. My parents coming to visit in August

8. Humbert Family Pictures/ Brok's Farewell Weekend.

9. Our weekly trips to Roseville.

10. Girls night out with Jamie & Amanda.

We're so excited to be starting 2011 out with a bang!

Happy New Year! (tomorrow)

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

A Special Tuesday

With all the Christmas festivites dying down, we had one more occassion to celebrate.

This afternoon, my niece, Eliza, was given a name and a blessing by her daddy.

Could she be any sweeter?

This was our last day with both my sisters and their familes as they are off to visit more family.

What a great way to end our time together this year.

It was so fun to spend time with a babe so fresh from heaven.

Makes me want another one.

I'm not sure it had the same effect on Ryan :)

I've got lots to catch up on so beware of frequent posting :)

XOXO,

Holly &Co.



Happy Christmas!

I know I'm a couple days late, but we've been spending lots of time with family.

We were so fortunate to spend this Christmas with my whole family.

We had a lovely Christmas Eve program complete with delicious dinner, singing and a couple stories.

Followed by French Chocolate and Italian Lemon Cake for dessert.

We hung stockings and opened one present each.

Then we snuck into bed to wait for Santa Claus :)

I truly love this season.

We've all been a little under the weather, passing around 3 or 4 versions of some sort of cold, which led to a sporatic Christmas morning.

But it was fun nonetheless.

Zoe got a lot of princess items this year.

Here she is debuting her newest outfit.

Complete with Christmas jammies and a homemade crown.

She has a princess house to dwell in and a princess flashlight to be able to see.

It was a fun day.

I got some clothes and some cookbooks and a new food processor!

 Can't wait to make some homemade hummus :)

Ryan is really excited about his Brita water filter, like REALLY excited. :)

We spent the whole day in jammies (and dress-ups).

My Dad made his famous skillet for breakfast.

We ate way too much candy from our stockings.

We watched movies and played games together.

We went on walks around the snowy neighborhood.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

XOXO,

Holly & Co.



December Daily: Day 22

Yesterday was a packed fun-filled day.

Ryan took Zoe to the Ancient History Mueseum at Thanksgiving Point.

Apparently Zoe wasn't really ready to face sharp-toothed reptiles. Ryan said she clung to him the whole time.

But she couldn't stop talking about the dinosaurs when she got home.

Then after a nap and a delicious belated birthday dinner, we decorated gingerbread houses.

Lots of pictures. We had a great time. Zoe helped and the hindered.

She would put candy on the house, then promptly pull it off and eat it.

 Or occassionally the piece would go straight to her mouth and then onto the house.

We won't be snacking on that house :)

Mom and Dad were comparing icicle making talents.

I made a snow front yard out of marshmallows.

Ben made a clown gingerbread man, complete with rainbow colored wig.

 Jenni and family come into town tonight, I'm so excited to wake up and hold my new niece!

Well I gotta go get some wrapping done.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

Scrapping Break

Taking a short break from December Daily to share some layouts.

After watching Zoe and Ryan yesterday, I couldn't resist scrapping these photos right away. I couldn't find the snowman paper I had, so you might be seeing more of this event, once I find it.

This layout was a result of a lot of school papers from a recent SC box

 and some old pictures I found of Zoe and I .

I really like the "school" theme being used for something other than the first day of school type layouts.

Especially since Zoe doesn't really go to school yet.

These pictures from Scheels were just too much fun. I used the exclusive Studio Calico December papers for this one. I loved the little strip on the bottom and managed to squeeze that in with a punched edge

.

As you can see, I'm loving my postage stamp border punch lately. I've used in on all 3 of these layouts. I'm also getting back into my misting again. Sigh...it's so hard not to use mist on every single layout.

I'm glad I've still be able to scrap while we're temporarily unsettled.

I'm lucky my mom let me take over her desk upstairs.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

PS. December Daily will resume this evening :)

December Daily: Day 21

Yesterday I had a great birthday. I did have to work, but after work, Ryan took my to Carrabas for dinner. It was heavenly. We had some pesto bruchetta that was amazing. The whole meal was fabulous, I wish I had thought to take pictures.



One of my gifts was a 28-200 Tamron zoom lens. It is so much heavier than my 18-55. Lucky for me, I got to test it out last night. This creature showed up in the back yard just before 11pm. He was one of 3 bucks and he was HUGE!

This is the best I could get through the window. I did try going outside but the snow made the picture hard to get and I ended up scarring them away.

Before we left California, everyone warned us about the cold and snow, etc. My response was, "Bring it on!"

Well Mother Nature listened to my request.

We woke up to about 6 inches this morning. Perfect packing snow.

This is what Zoe and Ryan did all morning.

Zoe got an early Christmas present too. My parents had bought her a Snowman kit, complete with scarf and hat. They decided to let her have it early :)

This might just be my favorite new picture. Double click it to see it big. I promise its better bigger.

I hope you're all having a fabulous Tuesday.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.



December Daily: Day 20

Yes, I actually have got some scrapbooking in, even though we've moved several hundred miles in the past week and everything we own fits in my parents garage.

I actually did this page the night before we moved, I couldn't resist playing with my giant box of stuff that I bought on Black Friday.

And I finally did something with those baby footprints I discovered not too long ago.

I've got a nice little set up on a desk at my parents house. I've pretty much taken over the whole thing, including some of the drawers.

While I was working today, Ryan took Zoe over to Cabela's and they saw lots of animals. Zoe kept talking about the alligator coming to get her. I don't even think she saw a real one, but she can't stop talking about it.

Hopefully things have slowed down a bit here and I'll be able to share some more pictures soon.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily 2010: Day 19

Today was slower than yesterday, We went to church and had a nice family dinner at my Grandparents.



We went to a random ward's service today and it made me sad to miss our old ward's program. I can only imagine it was wonderful.

Zoe spent a lot of the time playing with my brother's magnetic beads. She made necklaces, anklets, bracelets and rings. We let her play with them until I saw the warning on the package, something to the effect of, " If swallowed, could attach to stomach wall and cause serious injury or even death." Yeah, we put that toy away really...... quick!

I'm hoping to get into more of a normal routine, the past few days have been crazy. Zoe didn't even take a nap today, and that's never a good thing.

We're getting excited for the holidays this week, hope you all are having lovely holidays as well.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily: Day 18

Yesterday was a sad day.

We had to say farewell to Ryan's parents.

For the past 3.5 years we've lived about 3 miles from Ryan's parents.

Zoe has spent more than 150 Fridays with Grandma Julie, a blessing that cannot be described in words.

 Zoe knows that Friday is officially, "Grandma Day"

They have provided Ryan with a flexible job that allowed him to continue to go to school and earn a great wage. They've been a safe haven and helped ease my homesickness from my own family.

We love them and are so sad that we won't get to see them every week.

We had a scrumptious dinner at Aunt Chantelle and Uncle Danny's house, not too far from my parents house. Dan made an asian type feast, complete with all types of sauces. The fried rice was my favorite.

They have 3 girls that Zoe just adores. They have so much fun playing and running around. I can't wait for Zoe to have a sibling someday.

It was also the day of our first snow. Zoe was wearing new boots and cautious of the snow. It melted the next day.

I promise I have projects to post, I'm just a little behind on photographing, it's been unexpectedly busy around here.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

P.S. Dan & Julie, we're already planning a visit this summer :)



December Daily 2010: Day 17

We Made it!

We're here in chilly, snowy Utah all safe and sound. Thank you for all your prayers and good wishes, we had beautiful weather the whole way there.



We stopped in Reno at Scheel's to see the fishes and the ferris wheel. Zoe was even tall enough to ride. Yes, she is 3 feet tall.

She did so well and had so much fun. It was a long 14 hours. but we made it.



Thank you to all our sweet friends who helped with our move. Thanks to Dan and Julie for taking Zoe the whole drive, making our drive a quiet one and for towing our trailer :) We love you all!



We're gearing up for the holidays now. I'm hoping to have some crafty projects up by this evening.



XOXO,

Holly & CO.

and I was doing so well....

Sorry about the break in December Daily. I'm gonna have to play catch up.



We are in the middle of the move and it's a little chaotic.



But I will be back with updates and hopefully some projects on Friday.



If you're the praying kind, prayers for a safe drive would be appreciated :)



XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily 2010: Day 11

We are in full swing moving mode. Yesterday was a mix of running errands, packing boxes and keeping Zoe entertained.

I keep trying to add some holiday activities for Zoe.

 Jamie, Amanda and I went the mall a few weeks ago and picked up these Dear Santa postcards at Macy's.

I asked Zoe what she wanted for Christmas and filled in a little bit on my own.

She's still not sold on the idea of talking to Santa, but she likes talking about him.



XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Dailly 2010: Day 9 & Day 10

Wow...the 9th& 10th just flew on by....



I attended my work potluck which was tons of fun. We played Catch Phrase and did a white elephant gift exchange.

My question to you is, How do YOU play the white elephant game?



There were several differing opinions and I was wondering what way everyone else plays. We played that you can steal twice, so the 3rd person gets to keep the gift.

I always thought it was you could steal 3 times, so the 4th person actually gets the gift.

hmm...maybe Wiki would know...



Last night, we went on one last double date with our BFF's the Stauffers.

We went to Chicago Fire in Old Town Folsom.

We had amazing pizza and even better company, the Shirley Temple's weren't bad either :)

 If you decide to go, I would recommend the deep dish pizza, so worth the wait....



We're going to miss this family so much. It hard to even talk about. I know is was not an accident that we live next door to each other. No accident at all.



Jamie has the pictures so I'll post once she does :) no rush or anything :)



XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily 2010: Day 8

Today marks the begin of the work potluck season.

 Well tomorrow actually, but I started cooking for it tonight.

For tomorrow's potluck, I made Magic Microwave Fudge.

I was given this as a mix from a friend, but thankfully she included the recipe so I could make a double batch. I added mini marshmallows and walnuts to make rocky road fudge....it's so yummy!



Mix includes:

3 1/2 C. powdered sugar

1/2 C. cocoa powder

3 TB. non-dairy powdered creamer

1/4 ts. salt

Add to it:

1/4 C. water

1 stick butter (cut into cubes)



Instructions- Pour fudge mix into microwave safe bowl. Add water and butter. Microwave 30 seconds at a time and stir each time until mixture becomes smooth (about 2-3 minutes). Pour into an 8x8 pan lined with foil and spray with non-stick spray. Chill for 1 hour and then cut into 1 inch squares. Enjoy!



Add-ins- mini marshmallows, nuts, m&ms', peppermint candies, the list could go on for a long time....



Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday season.



XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily 2010: Day 7

...with her nose so bright...

Zoe and her new nose.

We sang Christmas carols while she wore it.

It blinks. 

I love it. 

We spent a lot of time snuggling and sitting together tonight.

Since watching these princess movies, Zoe's kisses are getting awkwardly long....

 it's hard not to laugh every time.

Ryan is studying hard for finals this week so it's been kinda quiet around here.

I'm working on some more layouts this week, before I have to pack everything up.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily 2010: Day 6

Tonight we made homemade pizza and watched movies.

 I chose Elf but Zoe chose Princess and the Frog. 

We watched Princess and the Frog.

Funny how those things happen.

But I'm watching Elf right now :).

We also made a paper nativity scene. 

Zoe smashed the cow. 

We're working on understanding the story.

I finished this page last night. I just love these two together.

I think we'll be making cookies sometime this week....looking forward to sweets.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily 2010: Day 5

Today we had a wonderful church meeting. We were a little late due to a marathon that was going on outside our apartment, blocking our street. Ryan and I both got up to share our testimonies.

 Which is a first for us, both getting up during the same meeting. 

This afternoon, we had a nice lunch and a nap. 

This evening, Jamie and I put Zoe and Ethan in the car with some snacks 

and went to visit a very popular light display around here, Dovewood Court. 

It was pouring rain so we drove through instead of walking.

There was some awesome displays. This last one was was set to music. So incredible.

I totally love out of focus light shots. 

When we got home, we had some storytime and snuggling. 

I love watching these two together.

Today the side effects are nearly as bad as yesterday. 

I'm hoping that I can finally get back to normal this next week.

Thanks everyone for your sweet comments.

I'm working on some more tags and wrapping, hoping to finish up in the next couple days.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily 2010: Day 4

Well today has been a rough day to say the least. This medication I'm on is getting rid of the vertigo, but it giving me all sorts of other side effects. I'm having a rough time.

I'm hoping tomorrow will be better.

Well because of these lovely side effects I was up at 2:30 am scrapping.

Still playing with my Studio Calico Nov. Kit. I think I'm up to 14 pages with this kit and I still have a lot left. 

Hopefully tomorrow will be better and we might actually get to do something festive.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily 2010: Day 3

Today it was cold and rainy.

I got to have dinner with an old co-worker and friend, Simmone. It might be the last time I get to see her before we move. Seeing people for the last time is starting to happen. I don't really like it.



Zoe spent the day with Grandma and got to watch, "The Polar Express."



Right now I have brownies in the oven.

One of Zoe's Christmas presents came in the mail today. It's even more adorable than I thought it would be.



Our weekend is going to be filled with packing and cleaning. Maybe some candy cane fudge :)



XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily 2010: Day 2

Yesterday I worked on getting into the holiday spirit a little bit more.

I taught Zoe to sing, "We Wish you a Merry Christmas," on the car ride home, so she now knows 2 Christmas songs.

We made spaghetti and homemade breadsticks for dinner

and then got all cozy and headed to my church meeting.

(Ryan needed to study for a test)

During my meeting Zoe got to chase an adorable kitty

 and play with Krista, a cute young woman from our ward.

Even though we got home after bedtime, we read a couple stories before hitting the hay.

Well everyone else hit the hay. I stayed up to get a little crafting in.

I started making some Christmas tags to attach to presents.

Supplies: Tags: Avery shipping tags, Paper: Crate Paper Snow Day ,

Mists: Studio Calico Mr. Huey AppleJack & White, ,

Stickers: Crate Paper Snow Day, Twine: Marth Stewart

I used plain avery shipping tags and jazzed them up a bit.

It's amazing what you can do with paper, ink and glue :)

Looking forward to a relaxing Day 3.

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

December Daily 2010: Day 1

December Daily might be a little different for me this year.



Last year we were totally into the holiday stuff, but considering all of our decorations are in my parents garage in Utah and we're moving in 18 days, it may be less holiday related.



Day 1: 

New Christmas Jammies and an Early Christmas present.

 These pop beads I bought to be part of Zoe's Christmas presents, but I decided we need a little bit of an extra something new to do around her.

We made a necklace, crown, bracelets, and anklets. Zoe didn't want any of them to fall off, so she started walking around all stiff and slow, it was hysterical.

I haven't done any scrapping in the past few days because I've been having a bit of vertigo. Turns out I have an inner ear infection, called Labyrinthitis. Yeah it totally sounds fake, right? 

But the Dr. gave me some meds and I'm starting to feel like I'm on solid ground again.

Welcome to December!

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

Weekend Update

Mr. & Mrs. Claus

Could they be any cuter? Seriously?

Since we aren't having a Christmas tree this year, we went downstairs to visit the Stauffer's tree.

It evolved into dressing up like Santa. I can't wait to scrap this.

I'm going to miss these fun, silly moments with these two. 

Totally off topic, but...

I'm gearing up for my "I'm-moving-away-and-my-new-apartment-is-going-to-be-smaller-and-I-can't-take-all-my-scrapbooking-stuff" SALE.

I started pricing and organizing tonight. I'm planning on having the sale at my house, Dec. 4th. 

If you or anyone you know would be interested, have them send me an e-mail for details.

 I'm pricing everything to sell.

 I really cannot take most of the stuff I have. 

Punches, paper, ribbon, chipboard, etc etc etc.

I'm only keeping what I can't live without.

I started wrapping Christmas presents tonight and it made me really want some hot chocolate

 and to play the Carpenter's Christmas Album.

I'm having a hard time getting into the season, because we don't have any decorations up. 

It almost feels like Christmas isn't coming this year. 

Although I know that's silly. 

Thank goodness my parents will have a Christmas tree.

I wanted to share this layout I made a few days ago.

I just wanted to document this special time in our lives, as we're getting ready to start this new adventure, just the three of us.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

XOXO,

Holly & Co.

Thanksgiving 2010 {Part 2}

After some afternoon naps, we headed over to the Humbert house to get all the excitement started.

The cousins always have such a great time playing together.

Lots of shrieks of excitement, a little bit of crying and a lot of running from room to room.

Ryan got to carve the turkey. He did such a great job.

We had the most delicious dinner. Turkey, gravy, 3 kinds of potatoes, green bean casserole, peas, 2 kinds of stuffing, 2 kinds of salad, homemade cranberry sauce and rolls.Yeah...I think that was all.

And we had 3 kinds of pie. 

We are stuffed!

Before we left, I had Zoe pose for some pictures. I've been slacking the past couple weeks.  

Zoe and Daddy.

We had such a wonderful time today and we are so grateful to have family all around 

and the technology to talk to the ones that aren't around.

I hope you all have had a great Thanksgiving.

Anyone going to brave Black Friday tomorrow?

XOXO,

Holly & Co.