The Year in Review!!

Seeing how it’s nearing the end of 2009, now is a pretty good time for look back over the year. This is especially true since our blogging efforts have been spotty at best and don’t really portray the “action” of 2009.

-- Cindy --

Cindy’s great, and Cindy keeps busy. 2009 started off with a baby in the belly. With Cylie on the way, Cindy retired from the workforce (recession helped that decision along quite nicely), and became a full-time Mommy. That is, until June, when she decided to head back to school to pursue Dental Hygiene, as well. And, in full Cindy-awesomeness, she whipped out a 4.0 her first term.

September brought fall classes and little Cylie. Turns out that a new baby, classes, calling in the Primary Presidency, and a super-active 2 year old is a bit much. So, classes were put on hold till January. Thanks to Chris’ flexible work schedule, they both can do classes and take turns with Carter and Cylie, so daycare isn’t an issue at the moment.

-- Chris --

Chris looooooooooves having his picture taken, as illustrated above. 2009 was a busy one, for sure. Full-time work, full-time school is crazy enough, but Chris was called to serve in his ward’s bishopric in June which brought just a little more “busy” to his life. He loves his calling and the chance to serve others, even if it does mean being gone 8-10 hours each Sunday.

Bachelor’s degree is all but finished up for Chris in Information Systems Management, and given the terrific state of the economy right now, he’ll just keep on with school and start his M.B.A. shortly. Along with school, Chris is working on a handful of IT certifications; CCNA, MCSE, and maybe even his CISSP (If you understand those acronyms, terrific). It’s slow-going, but he should get his CCNA next month.

-- Carter --

Here is Carter eating M&Ms and perusing the Toys’R’Us Christmas ad. This is a rare moment where he his sitting calmly enough to catch a picture of him. Still managed to get his tongue out though.

2009 saw huge things for Carter. For starters, he turned two. Swimming lessons, trips to the park, and running around the house at every opportunity did little quench his insatiable appetite for being active.

He rode on a plane twice; once to visit Grandma and Grandpa Cannon and again to visit Grandma and Grandpa Burkman. This year, Carter gave up pacifiers, moved in to his big-boy bed and became a big brother, which he is terrific at.

Turns out he has a built-in big-brother gene that has him looking out for his little sister at every opportunity. He shares his toys with her (for now), holds her, lets us know when she’s crying (even if we’re holding her), and pretty much wants to kiss and love on her whenever possible and sometimes when it’s not possible.

All in all, he’s a happy boy and loves to make others laugh.

-- Cylie --

Cylie’s 3 months old today. It’s amazing to see the differences between her and Carter already. She doesn’t cry much as she’s found it much more effective to just yell when she wants something. She’s talking a bit already, and while Mom and Dad understand everything she’s saying, others may claim it’s just babbling. 

Aside from a brief bout of baby acne, Cylie is healthy, strong, and nice and chunky; just the way a baby should be. She sleeps well, eats constantly and is a joy to be around.