Looking Back on 2009

Thanks to a bunch of you for this idea...

1. What did you do in 2009 that you had never done before?

Traveled to Oregon, which was gorgeous!

2. What would you like in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

A bigger paycheck. :)  More free time to spend with friends.

3. My best memory of 2009.

I don't think I have just one. Celebrating Gavin's first birthday, seeing Marcus meet his idol, and lots and lots of good vacations.

4. What was your biggest achievement?

Probably seeing my efforts at work pay off. The MUSS was bigger than it ever has been, and we raised record amounts of food and money during the food drive.

5. What was your biggest failure?

Not getting the result I wanted from something even though I fought like hell for it.

6. Did you or someone you know suffer any illness?

Not that I can think of, thankfully.

7. What was your best purchase?

Tickets to the Sugar Bowl. It was a really hard decision but I'm so glad we went!

8. What behavior merited celebration this year?

Marcus scoring his first hockey goal ever.

9. What behavior appalled or depressed you?

Wow, this one is easy! The behavior of a certain coach who ruined the lives of so many people and

single-handedly destroyed the University of Utah spirit squad.

10. Where did all your money go?

Mortgage, groceries, bills and vacations.

11. What was your favorite song for 2009?

I loved all of Lady Gaga's songs until they were overplayed on the radio!

12. Who was your biggest influence of 2009?

My parents. I realized how much they love their children and how far they will go to protect their family.

13. What was your favorite new TV show?

GLEE!

14. What was your favorite new book?

I haven't really read anything I've loved this year.

15. What was your favorite movie?

The movie that touched me the most this year was 'Gran Torino.' It's on DVD and it is one of the most powerful movies I have ever seen, and one that will stick with me forever. Just try to ignore all of the swearing.

16. What is your favorite new fashion?

I'm liking the plaid shirts and definitely boots! Oh, and fun tights!

17. What has kept you sane?

My hubby and my sweet baby, my family and traveling.

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Zoo Lights

On Saturday night we went to Zoo Lights for the first time. It was a lot of fun and I was so impressed by some of their light displays.

Most of the cats were really active, which was fun because when we usually go to the zoo in the summer they don't act like that.

Gavin enjoyed all the lights and he growled at all the animals.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Four years ago we did this....

Which then lead to this.....

THANK YOU TO MY TWO BOYS FOR MAKING ME SMILE EVERYDAY!

LOVE YOU!

Christmas is coming....

I am officially in the Christmas mood. My decorations are up, Christsmas music is playing and I'm looking forward to the big day. I still don't have any presents but I'm trying not to stress too much about that. :)

This weekend really helped push me into the Christmas mood. On Friday we went to the Festival of Trees. Unfortunately it was super crowded but it was still fun.

I loved the Griswold's display. Very creative!

Here is one of the University of Utah trees. We donated a bunch of MUSS stuff to this one.

On Sunday we night we had the annual Russon Family Gingerbread Decorating! This year Jesse and I decided to be different and decorate a train instead of a house. BIG MISTAKE! The gingerbread broke into a bunch of pieces and the frosting would not even stick. Tell me, does this look like a train to you?

Everyone was having a hard time decorating but we had A LOT of laughs!

Elise was not happy with the way her house turned out.

We decorated our house on Saturday and so far Gavin has been pretty good about not touching the tree or any decorations.  However, I'm nervous this nutcraker is not going to make it through Christmas without being broken. Gavin discovered his toy sword and loves to pull it in and out of the pouch.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!