random thoughts

So in an effort to post more and keep others updated more I am writing today without pictures and without a clear vision, so if you want to skip feel free.

there has been quite a lot going on lately.  Not much exciting just normal day to day stuff with a little more mixed in.  There has been very slow progress on our bathroom remodel.  We now have the light switch installed and the fan sorta hooked up.  We bought a timer switch that turned out to be bad and so had to go replace that and Joseph also discovered that we will have to move it all to have the door frame fit.  He did get the last sheet of drywall up on the ceiling this past weekend. 
We also learned in mid January that the guy buying our mobile home passed away.  Rather than deal with any grief and non-payment etc issues we decided to take the house back.  We got the keys back last night and went down to Salt Lake to take a look.  It is pretty much in the same condition we left it in 6 years ago, except it is grungy and smells of smoke.  I think after a thorough cleaning a few times it will be better.  Anyone have a great idea for getting a smoke smell out?  The guy did do some upgrades on the house like put a new roof on, put in a new furnace and water heater and air conditioning and also put in an alarm system.  The flooring could all use replacing, and the counter tops updated, but we don't have the budget for that; especially since we don't have the budget for the house in the first place!

The kids are plugging away at school.  None of them are enjoying it much.  Andrew hasn't complained a whole lot this year.  BJ continues to struggle with math (mainly just not doing it); Alex is frustrated with her split 2nd/3rd grade class.  There is always quite a bit of drama among her friends as well.  Parker has had a tough time with all the changes of teacher.  He does seem to like his new teacher though.  Will is enjoying preschool and playing with his friends.

I have insanely agreed to do a wedding cake for a family in our ward.  I am VERY nervous about getting it done and them liking it.  It is somewhat intricate and will take making about 500 flowers.  Hopefully all will work out well!

Well those are my random thoughts for now.

As promised

So I bought a new camera cord and the next day found the old one. As promised here are pictures from out bath remodel:

Hello again

So it has been a looong time since I posted anything and life is busy. Day to day doesn't seem like it, but as I look back it does. We keep very busy with work and school and church callings. The kids are involved in various things like band and orchestra and playing with friends. We have been redoing our bathroom, as in completely gutting down to the studs and redoing plumbing, electrical etc, etc. that has taken most of our time. Joseph worked feverishly for about a month. We got the plumbing almost completely done(have to move one more drain). That involved replacing ALL the pipes both fresh water and waste. He moved several things around, like moving the toilet drain which was sitting in the middle of a floor joist, and made a clean out that is accessible on the side of the house. In order to do some of it he had to dig out the pipes and then replace them. It has been quite the experience. I am kind encouraging a break right now because I want my husband back for a little while. He literally spent every free moment on the bathroom. We will pick up again after Christmas. At least most of the work now will be noticeable. I have taken pictures, but have lost my camera cord, so once I get a new one I will post pictures.

More cakes 2

These are some birthday cakes : Andrews and obviously mine and Alex's. Next time with Andrews I would just use green sugar instead of the jelly beans. The cake inside had Kool-Aid in the batter so it was a bright pink and had little choc chips in it too. I wish I had a picture of it sliced!

These are cakes I made for my friends. The two above match their individual personalities. The one below I made for a friend who had recently lost a loved one and needed some cheering up.

I've decided I need to make cakes more often. I was quite out of practice!

We have been busy with scouts and school and now activity days and mutual. The older two boys have also been in a Robotics club after school. They had their Physics day this past weekend. BJ did really well placing in the top three of his school. He did sumo-bots (where the robots "fight" each other. Andrew did a maze and though he didn't place his robot did make it all the way through the maze, which is an accomplishment in and of itself!

Alex is thrilled to be 8 and in activity days. She is looking forward to her baptism the first Saturday in June.

Parker is more than ready to be in first grade and go to school all day. I confess I can't wait for that either. He is progressing in reading quite well even though he tells me he can "only read at school."

William is finally potty training! Yay! We have had a kid in diapers for the last 12 years! I am excited for this to end.

I can't believe how fast my kids are growing up! Its especially hard realizing I have a 12 year old!

I need your ideas

So, I have been asked to teach a cake decorating class in the evening RS mtg in Jan. I have NO idea what to teach/talk about. I have up to 30 minutes. Anything you would like to know or things others would might like to know?

For your viewing pleasure

I enjoy making cakes. Here is what I have done through October.

William's Birthday cakes.




Joseph's Dad's birthday cake



Parker's birthday cake.




not my best work, plus it melted on the ride home.

A going away present for one of Joseph's buddies at work.

A cake from class.

A birthday cake for one of Joseph's friends at work

I have followed in the footsteps of my mother

I have not posted as of late even though I have thought of several things I could post. I have even written part of them in my head, but then I remember I don't have any pictures and move on to something else. It's not that I didn't take pictures it's just that I lost the cord to my camera yet again. After I lost and then found it the last time I put it in a safe place and now have no idea where it is. If you know my mom at all you know she is notorious for her safe places. It looks like I will be following in her footsteps.

Cute Story

When we got to church on Sun, Joseph pulled out his phone to put it on vibrate and Parker asked,"Are you calling Jesus?"

More Cakes

These cakes were for Alex's Birthday and Parker's preschool graduation party.

These last two were done for my 2nd cake class, which they no longer teach. These were a lot of fun. I really like making the fondant roses. All of those roses took me about 6 hours to make. In all the tiered cake took about 12 hours with baking time.

my latest investment

I thought I would share a few pictures of what has occupied most of my time in the last month or so. I have thouroughly enjoyed it and plan to continue. Here are a few pictures from my first month of class