Thanksgiving

So we spent Thanksgiving with Mike and Sandra. I love spending Thanksgiving with them because Sandra is such an amazing cook. Carter decided he wanted to go black friday shopping so he woke us up at 5:00 A.M. We ended up getting a couple of really good deals for Carter, so that made me really happy. School is still going really great for me. My students crack me up! A couple of my students in my 7th period talk about how they are "brown" and started calling themselves caramel and mocha. Even after having a bad class the period before, these students can have me rolling! I just love my job sometimes. Brad is working still at Extend Health. Hopefully he can find a different job soon or they will keep him on. Carter is really starting to stand up by himself. I love my boys so much!

My Cake for Sofia's 1st Birthday
Pumpkin Patch
Carter on the Pumpkins
Gabe at Brad's birthday
The Family with some TN pride....only when Ohio State isn't playing : )
Kristina and Sara
My cuties!
Up close pic of Brad's bday cake I made

Time is flying by!!!

I have been so so busy lately that I have not been able to update this! Between Carter, working, and young womens I don't feel like I have a spare moment. I have been working out with Amanda before school and so by the time 7 o'clock rolls around my body is shutting down. Talk about becoming a total Grandma! If you thought I was bad before you haven't seen anything yet! Well I will start back in September. Carter crawled up the stairs for the first time on Brad's 26th birthday haha what a great present! He was taught by his adorable cousin Madi. He wants to be everywhere she is and do everything that she does. A couple of weeks ago Carter starting getting 2 teeth in! Needless to say he is one drooly mess. He is such a happy boy. When he wakes up in the morning he just can't wait to play with anyone who will play with him. He is crazy fast at crawling now and has loves to be places he shouldn't be. He really enjoys knocking over Brad's Wii.
Brad is doing well at his job. He has worked overtime the past two Saturdays, which is great but bad because we don't get to see each other that much. I think Carter loves his dad the most because he will throw him ridicously high in the air and carry him upside down. My little guy just loves it! I can't wait to take him to King's Island in a couple of years!
I had a melt down yesterday. Brad wasn't supposed to work yesterday but he was called in for overtime and he had to do it. I had signed up for a 9k in the morning and had a cake class in the afternoon. Luckily Matt and Michon watched Carter so I could run in the morning ( which turned out great! Both Amanda and I ran the whole way! I finished in 52 minutes.) When I got home I realized that the cake for cake class was not actually cooked all the way and so I had to start all over. The internet wasn't working so I didn't know what else I needed for the class and I still had to ice the cake before I left. Lindsey came up to watch Carter for me, but there was no way I could get everything done in 1 hour. I was so upset that I couldn't go to my class. I was very grateful that Lindsey stayed anyway and we watched the TN football game instead. I think that the craziness of my life is catching up to me! I want to do so much but I don't have any time to do it! I am a bit stressed thinking about this upcoming week. I am taking my CPR First Aid training class for my health endorsement on Tuesday and Thursday night so I won't even be home until 8:30 both of those days! Oh well I know I will make it through the week! The last thing I am thinking about making this go private so if you want please give me your email address so I can add you!

Where did the summer go?

I have been so busy these past few weeks. School has been back in session for the past 3 weeks. I can't believe how quickly those weeks have gone. I love my new school! Everyone I work with is great and the school itself is amazing! My students as a whole are so fun. Today we were talking about people we value, and it was so cute to hear why all these kids admired their moms. I hope that Carter will feel the same way about me. My parents came in to town for labor day weekend and we had fun visiting as a family. We went to a park one night and all the kids and grandkids had so much fun. It was the first time Carter went on the swings and he loved it just as much as his mommy does. On Monday we celebrated Madison's third birthday. I got to make her Tinkerbell cake. The night before Michon came over and helped ice all of the cakes. I must say this is my favorite cake that I have made to date. Brad is trying to pass his insurance test so that he can sell insurance. Keep him in your prayers. He will be taking it tomorrow. I think that is a good enough update on our lives.

Summer 09 Pics

Summer 09

The last few weeks we have been in Tennessee, Michigan, and Ohio visiting friends and family. One of my best friends from high school got married last weekend. We were able to go to the wedding and then made it our family vacation along with it. In Tennessee Darren (Brad's brother) blessed his new baby Christopher. We made the baby blessing cake for them. Let's just say it was an all day event. Lindsey, Jenny, Brad, and I stayed up until 2 finishing the cake. The bottom layer was rice crispie treats. After the baby blessing we went up to Michigan to visit Thel and Malia. We went to Cedar Point and the 5 girls babysat Carter. I was a little scared because it was the first time I had someone that wasn't an adult babysit, but they did a great job! After visiting Michigan we went back to Ohio. Brad rented us a hotel room that was across from the shoe on OSU's campus. I was so surprised and excited. We tried to get in, but everything was locked. We took some pictures around campus. Next stop was my friend Jen's wedding. She made a beautiful bride. I had the honor of being her matron on honor (that really makes me sound old). Her reception was really fun and I got to catch up with David and Lynne, my other best friends from high school. We came back to Tennessee for a couple of days and visited with Brad's parents and brother Josh. All in all it was a hectic two weeks but it was great to see so many people. I wish I could have spent more time there, but we did as much as we could in the short time we had. School starts in a couple of weeks, and I wish I was a little more excited. The summer went by so fast I can't believe it!

My cakes lately

So I saw this cake that I wanted to make, but it took more time than I thought! On my first try it was a complete fiasco! The chocolate fondant kept ripping and the buttercream frosting was pulling the cake off. I got so frustrated that I killed the cake~ Brad says I have anger management problems. Yesterday I did cake #2 and it turned out better. I am practicing because this weekend I am going to be making a cake for a birthday party and a baby blessing. Hopefully I can get it right!

So we took some family pictures up in Salt Lake, but we won't have them back for a bit. Here are some pictures we took ourselves. We have a couple new things going on in our lives. I got called to be a beehive advisor in church, which meant I got to go to Girl's camp this past week. I was a little aprehensive about going since it was real camping (without showers), but I had a blast. I really enjoyed getting to know my girls better. They are so sweet and I can't wait to keep seeing them every week. Yesterday I went to Sunset Ridge to see my classroom. Let's just say I am so excited!!! It is so nice especially when you compare the building to Joel P. I am going to share the health room with the other health/p.e. teacher. The gym is so nice with a track above it. I feel really lucky to have a job! We keep applying for jobs for Brad, but nothing is working out right now. He heard back that he qualified for a position in philadephia, so keep us in your prayers! Carter turns 6 months old tomorrow! I can't believe that! He is getting so big and sweeter everyday. Last week Stacey came to visit so Kaylene, Stacey, and I went to the Cheesecake Factory. It was great to catch up with her! We miss you! I have continued to cake decorate. I started using marshmallow fondant and I love it! Here are some pics of the cakes and our visit with Stacey.

Summer Fun

So I know I have been a slacker on updating! We have been kind of busy so far this summer. I started off the summer taking health classes, which I surprisingly enjoyed. Then that Saturday Cynthia and I drove out to California to visit our families. The following Wednesday Brad and his friend Byron flew out to join us. We had so much fun. We went to Magic Mountain, which I think was the highlight of my trip. We also went to San Diego, where Byron got the biggest kick out of seeing the wall to Mexico. It was a long drive back and we are all happy to be home. So an update on my working situation. I think it is finally official that I will be teaching at Sunset Ridge. I am still excited even though I know I am not the perfect fit for them. I will be teaching 6 class periods of 7th grade P.E. We are still trying to find a job for Brad. If anyone knows of anything that would be amazing!!! Brad has started to apply for government jobs, but he won't hear anything for awhile if something comes out of one of those jobs.
Carter has really started scooting! While we were in California, he decided to roll of my bed. I felt sooo bad! He was sleeping one minute and then the next he was on the floor. Needless to say Carter will not ever be sleeping on our bed! He just keeps moving and getting bigger by the minute. When Brad and I give him kisses on the cheek he moves his head so that he gives us kisses back. I think my baby is so smart. I have a ton a pics of the first part of summer, so I am going to put them in a post by themselves.
Last but not least, when I got back from California Brad had a surprise for me. He decorated our bedroom and made it exactly the way I wanted it! I will put some pics in the next post of that too!

Rice Cereal and Swimming

Carter had a couple of firsts this weekend. He turned 4 months this past week and we fed him rice cereal for the first time. I will post the video of it. He wasn't quite sure about it yesterday, but today when we tried round 2 he did much better. We actually made it thicker tonight and he liked it a ton better. He goes for his 4 month shots tomorrow. Luckily I will be working so I don't have to experience it. Today Carter went swimming for the first time. Kaylene, Bryan, and Cale came over to swim. It was Cale's first time swimming also. The two boys had fun staring at each other in the pool : ) It was Kaylene's birthday yesterday so we went over to celebrate. I made my first fruit bouquet for her. It turned out okay, but I want to try again and see if I can do better. Brad helped me make it! I was grateful for his help, I am not so good with the melon ball scooper! I have 2 more weeks of school left....I hope they go so fast! No word on where I will be teaching yet, so I am still working on patience. I hope you enjoy the photos. I tried to upload his eating video, but it is taking forever and won't upload. I will try again tomorrow.

New Townhome

So we moved into our townhome we are renting a couple of weeks ago. I LOVE it! I will post some pictures soon. Carter has his own room and bathroom, which is really nice when we are bathing him! Speaking of Carter, he rolled over this past Thursday for the first time! I was so happy that I was there to watch him. I have been really scared that I am going to miss his "firsts" because of working, so I was really happy that I didn't miss this one. He is getting so big so fast. He now can sit in his bumbo and not bobble over : ) Only three more weeks of school left! I am super excited about that. Kaylene and I have big plans of laying out by the pool and watching our little cuties. Anyone who wants to join us we would love to have you!!! Kaylene and I have been training for our half and I ran 8 miles this week for the first time. I was really proud of myself. Brad walked behind us with Carter. I was happy that he actually did some training.
The drama of working never ends. I was placed at Sunset Ridge Middle School, but then they decided that they wanted to have a male teacher. Then the district told me that there was another position at a high school nearby. The next day I called them back to figure out what was going on and they said that the high school wanted a p.e. teacher that would coach wrestling...hmm I don't think I would be good at that! The lady at the district told me that they are holding both positions open until that find "a better fit for me", which means when they find another school with an opening. I am over being frustrated about it, but I wish I could just be placed and have it all over with. Well I think this is a long enough post haha!

Crazy in West Jordan

So we have been really crazy lately! Well I found out where I am being placed, Sunset Ridge Middle School. I am super excited about that. It was built in 2005 so it really new and seriously looks like a high school. I was so stressed out about not knowing where I was working next year, so it is a relief to have that off my back. Brad is doing pretty well right now at his job, so we will see if this is really a permanent thing for him. My mom came in this past week to help babysit Carter for us. He had so much fun with her and I know that he is going to miss her.

Other news is that we are going to be moving this week. We found an awesome deal for these townhomes by jordan landing and to get the deal you have to move in by the end of April so that's this week!!! If anyone needs a new place to live it is a great deal! They are brand new so you are the first to live in them, which is awesome when you are renting!

We spent Easter with my brother Mike and his family. Carter was so stinking cute with his little easter basket. I found the easter basket from pottery barn at Downeast and it was embroidered with James on it, so my mom embroidered Carter on the other side. We found one for Sofia so they had matching baskets. I made the Easter Cake as well.

Only 6 weeks left until summer break!!! Can you tell that I am excited haha???  Swimming pool with Carter : )

Spring Break

I have been back to school for a week and a half now. Luckily it hasn't been as bad as I thought it was going to be. It is hard when I get home because he is really tired and I just want to play with him. Carter is soooo stinkin cute in the morning. Brad and I were changing him this morning and he just loves kicking around. I had to take a picture of it.
We went to Melinda's wedding reception a couple of weeks ago. She looked so beautiful. Carter had fun with Madison and Averie. I put him in a little hat I got at the children's place. He looked so adorable.
My job situation has gotten even crazier lately. I found out this week that I am getting RISed. Basically it means my school is having a declining enrollment and so they have to get rid of a teacher. That teacher just happens to be me. The school district has to place me in another school when a position opens. All the principals get together and basically say I need a P.E. teacher or math teacher etc and they trade us around the district. I didn't think I wanted to work next year and now I might have to, but I have no clue where I am going to be working. Hopefully I will find out next week. My life is so crazy right now and I am going nuts. I just have to continue being patient and hopefully everything will work out.

Going back to School

Well I was planning on having a couple more weeks off of teaching, but when I realized how much it was going to cost us, I have to go back on Monday. I knew that it was going to be difficult to leave Carter, but now it just seems unbearable. Every time I think about it, I start to cry. I know it will be okay and it is only short term (hopefully). If anyone knows of any jobs that are stable out there please let me know!!! We are trying to find Brad a job still that offers benefits. Speaking of benefits, Carter went to his 2 month check up yesterday and had his shots. He actually did very well. I think I was more upset than he was. He now weighs 11 lbs 8 oz, and is 23 inches long. He pretty much is smack dab in the middle in both. My lil Carter is getting so big already. I know I get to seem him every night, but I just don't want to miss anything. He is really good and staring and smiling at me. I just love him so much I don't want to leave him!!! I know I should be positive and be grateful that I have a job, but I just want to be with my baby : (

Cupcakes Cookies and Carter

I think I have become addicted to decorating yummy food. This week at class I decorated cupcakes. They turned out pretty cute! I have been wanting to make a flower pot with cookies in it for a long time, so this weekend I finally did it. Amanda and I stayed up until 12:30 decorating them. It was so much fun, and I am really glad I have a new hobby. My other hobby is going well too(training for the half). Today I need to run 5 miles. I was really excited to do it outside, but the great state of Utah decided to snow YUCK!!! Luckily I can still run at the gym. Carter turned 2 months yesterday. These past 2 months have gone by so quickly. I am going crazy thinking about going back to work. I just don't want to at all! Luckily Brittany(Brad's friend from TN) is willing to help us out and babysit for us. March madness started and Brad wanted to dress Carter up for this special occasion. His 8 week picture shows what happens when you let your husband dress your kid in the morning : )

This weekend we went to Vegas just to relax and have fun as a family. It was Carter's first trip out of Utah. We stayed at a new place called Aliante. Carter loved all of the music and lights. Last Tuesday Amanda and I went to our first cake decorating class. I got so excited about it that I had to try and decorate one. So I made this cake and decorated it for St. Patrick's Day. I was pretty proud of myself, it is much better looking than I thought I could do on my first try!

Carter is a month old!

Carter, cake decorating, and half marathon

So I decided to pick up a few new hobbies this past week. Brad and I signed up for the Bear Lake half marathon. I started running on Monday and only have 100 more days until the race haha. Amanda and I went running this morning and it was so hard. We were running into the wind and it felt like we had been running a lot longer than what we really did. We are trying to get a group together to run with us so if you want to let us know! Amanda and I started cake decorating classes last night. We are both seriously really excited about this. I am ready to make some really fun cakes for Carter, even though he won't be able to eat them for a long time : ) A couple of weeks ago we got pictures taken of Carter. They turned out really cute. If you need someone to take pictures for you Hollie is great. You can see more pics that she has taken on her blog uniquephotographybyhollie.blogspot.com. She is really good and is pretty reasonably priced.

Nike Trainer

Valentine's Day

We celebrated Valentine's Day by making the boys dinner. Amanda and I made steak, twiced baked potatoes, rolls, chocolate covered strawberries, and had a cold stone cake for dessert. Amanda decorated for the event and everything looked great! Carter and Clara had their first "date." Amanda made menus and name tags for them and put them on Clara's high chair. All in all it was a great night.
Carter is going to be 4 weeks this Thursday. I can't believe how time flies after the pregnancy. It felt like forever until his arrival and now I can't let it slow down. I am loving every minute (well almost) of staying home with him. He started sleeping 6-7 hours during the night. I think it helps that he is eating a ton more before he goes to sleep. I am becoming less of a zombie and loving it!