Did you know about my other 2 blogs?

I know! I can barely keep up with this one, and I'm trying to manage 2 more! All 3 are lacking, but I keep telling myself I'll be better. AND I WILL!

Even if you live far away, hate my hair cuts, and buy cakes from Walmart, will you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE follow my other 2 blogs? They aren't feeling the love lol

Believe me, this is something you will want to do! I'm going to be offering coupons for clients, refer a friend programs, and FREEEEEE product giveaways! I'll even be offering discounts on cake/cookie/cupcake orders for holidays and special events. BUTTT you must be a follower to join!

Thanks! I have the best friends and family ever!

Easter 2010

Easter was a bit stressful this year. Of course I wait until the last minute to buy all the things I need for Rileys basket.. But I think I found some pretty fun stuff for him

Dinosaur eggs, mini basketball hoop (to leave at Grammys), bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and CANDY! Look at that cute basket. I bought that for a pretty penny a LONG time ago as soon as the Easter stuff came out. I couldn't pass it up when I saw it.

He was definetly enjoying himself.

We had Easter brunch while watching Conference with my family because my parents were in town. It was yummy. Me and Trav just started a new diet (blog about that to come), so it was the start of our last few meals, so of COURSE we had all the fixings. French toast, fresh whipped cream, strawberries, syrup, brown sugar bacon, eggs, juice, etc.

After Conference, we went over to Trav's parents house for dinner and had an Easter egg hunt.

We had to seperate the eggs into 3 piles, because his cousin Bey is WAY faster then him.

It was weird having Easter on Conference this year. I'm so used to dressing Riley up and taking him out to show him off. This year I just paired his Sunday best with some jeans and tennis shoes. Best of both worlds.

Happy Easter to all! Hopefully next year I can start preparing earlier and get some Robin Eggs before they sell out!

I'm not a great blogger..

So I'm not sure why I'm crazy enough to think I'll be good enough to do this, but I have created 2 new blogs! I'm really excited about some things that are happening in my life, and decided that the best way to share them would be with their very own pages!

First, is my #1 passion, hair. I'm expanding my business, and want to share great things with all my friends and family. My goal is to post things about health and beauty. Anything relating to my business, of course, but also things that I come across that can make all our lives better as a whole. Whether it be a new product, receipe, or book, I want to share it with you. My New Years resolution is to make my family healthier and happier, and this is step one. You can follow me at http://www.hairbycarolyn.blogspot.com/, or simply click on the link to the left.

Second, is my new passion, cake decorating. I spent many months taking classes at my local Hobby Lobby, and I have really grown to love this industry. I have been quite a busy bee making cakes for friends and family, and I love sharing the pictures of my final out comes. I also have been offered a job as the new Wilton Method Instructor for the new Hobby Lobby in Sandy! The Grand Opening is still a month or so off, but I'll let you know of great deals and coupons with that as well! Please follow me at http://www.cakebosslady.blogspot.com/, and it is also located to the left of this page.

I'm so excited for all these crazy things happening in my life, and I feel so blessed to have such great friends and family to support me.

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Yesterday, Trav had the whole day off!! It was such a 'fun' morning. He had a traffic ticket he had to pay.. he had a tooth ache and went to the dentist (only to find out he has an infection, and the tooth might need to be pulled OUCH).. and after all that 'fun' stuff, we decided we would take a stab at going to a movie.


When Travs niece was about 18 months, we took her to a movie, and she really really liked it. Riley is almost 18 months, and loves popcorn, so it couldn't be so bad right? RIGHT! We had a blast. He had his own cup of popcorn, his own sippy cup to drink, dad even let him pick out a snack (spoiled I know), he even had his own booster to sit in.





As the movie was starting, this really awesome preview started about this smart kid who sprayed stuff on his feet instead of wearing shoes.. neither me or Trav were paying attention, and to our surprise (you know where this is going if you have seen the movie) THE MOVIE HAD STARTED hahahaha. We both looked at each other like 'oh, this is the movie we are here to see' it was pretty funny.


Riley was really into it. He was watching intently, he gasped, even laughed at the right parts. We made it almost to the end, when he decided he was done. He did not want to be in his seat, so we ended up doing laps around all the rows. Good thing there were only 5 other people in the theatre, and it was only a dollar movie.

Over all, it was a great experience. Trav and I used to love going to movies, and now we have that back.. but a different genre of movies lol

Tax Season

The best part of the beginning of the year is doing our taxes. Well, not DOING the taxes part. That part is actually really stressful. I don't understand what they are trying to explain half the time, so I resort to calling my dad 4 times a night until they are filed.

This past year was even more confusing. As most of you know, I won 2 seats to every Jazz game for the whole season. Very cool. We really enjoy going. A few weeks later, Trav ALSO won 2 seats for the season. The same night we won Travs seats, his cousin (whose husband is an accountant) informed me that we have to claim them on our taxes. HOW STUPID! Hey guys, we are going to give you this really cool prize, but make you claim it as income, and take money out of your return to pay the state for it, since we aren't pay for it from ours. I know, I know, don't everyone jump on me at once explaining the way taxes work, and how its fair, blah blah blah. (I'm just venting here ok?) But if we had an extra $4000, it sure as heck wouldn't be going towards Jazz tickets, that's for sure. And not only did I have to wait forever for the 1099 form to come in the mail, THEY DID IT WRONG! Something about line 3, instead of line 7. Really? Really?! Now I have to call them and explain how they did it wrong so they can send a correction. Not exactly the most relaxing evening.

Did I mention that I did our taxes a week ago? We got our w-2 forms for our jobs (our REAL income) a while ago, so I thought it would be fun to see what we were getting back before the Jazz 1099 form was entered. Trav warned me not to do it. We both knew it would go down after we claimed the tickets, but greedy little me couldn't start spending our return in my mind fast enough lol When I first did the calculations, we were getting a lot back. I was really excited. Even if we lost some to paying taxes on our tickets, it was still going to be a lot (having kids are wonderful). Today, we got our mail, I received the 1099, and once I figured out where to submit it, I was HIGHLY disappointed :( I watched our little Turbo Tax calculator count down, and down, and down... I didn't think we would loose SO MUCH! Over half! I was mad. Mad at 1320kfan for running the contest, mad at the Jazz for giving us the tickets and sending incorrect forms, mad at Trav for winning a second set of tickets, mad at Riley for pushing buttons on the keyboard, mad at the shows that were recording on our DVR.. you get the idea. Right as I was filing and checking for any mistakes, something magical happened... Apparently, I didn't mention Trav was NOT in school. All I did was 'check' a fabulous little box, and I don't know what that did, but our precious little calculator went up, up, up. We got it all back! Minus a few $100, but for 4 season tickets to the Jazz, I am convinced it's worth it (considering each seat is worth about $1000 a piece, and we have 4) ALL IS WELL WITH THE WORLD. lol Taxes are still worth doing, and my complex little mind is again spending our money in many many different ways :) Happy April 15 all!

Last week was suppose to be my busy week...

This week was suppose to be my NOT busy week.

Sunday night (late night) I got a phone call from an old friend, whose friend needed a last minute cake for her daughters 4th birthday. I figure I don't have TOO much going on, so I say yes. And then she tells me they need it by Wednesday morning. 2 days. I can do this. I instantly make a list of the things I need, and what my goals will be. Monday morning I start running around shopping for the things I need, and I get a text message.. ANOTHER friend needs a last minute cake for her sons 4th birthday. I think about my timing with the other cake, and I decide, 'yes Carolyn, you can do this'. Then she tells me she needs this cake Wednesday AS WELL!! Well, I already said yes, what can I do. I get home with barely enough time to start baking a big ol' 12in x 12in cake, and leave in time to go to the Jazz/Dallas game (because of course I can't miss a Jazz game, even though I have hours of decorating to do). That night I stay up until 3 getting everything prepped and ready to go, and it's right then that I remember I have a hair appointment at noon the next morning, CRAP! And obviously it's too late to reschedule.. just another thing to add to my list.

Tuesday morning, I wake up early, get a lot done, and even clean my house before my client comes over! Luckily, I put Riley down for a nap right after she got here, so I didn't have him biting my ankles for 2 hours. I get her in and out in no time, and lucky lucky me, Riley wakes up 15 min after she leaves. and of course, the one day I have to bust things out, is the one day he 'demands' me to hold him while he drinks his juice, and only wants to be fed the foods that he needs help with. Good thing I have the best sister ever, and she came over to help out. We were calling her my assistant/babysitter. She helps with the cakes, and keeps Riley busy so I can do what I need to do. This is the cake I got done Tuesday night, 100% complete before bed time.

The next morning, after delivering the High School Musical cake, I only had a few hours to get the next cake done. And surprise surprise, Riley wakes up with a full blown fever!! After a dose of Tylenol, he must have been feeling better, because the rest of the morning wasn't too tough. I even got Sponge Bob done in record time!

As we were leaving the house, FedEx walks up to our door with a HUGE package for Riley. Trav and I ordered him a 'big boy' basketball hoop. He knew what it was, just by the pictures on the box lol. When we got home, I pulled it out, and assembly it quickly. I can't even get the net on before he is going BANANAS.

Now, his naps are usually around 1pm, lasting about 3 hours. It's already 130pm, and he is obsessed with this stupid hoop. He can't even reach it. It's way too big, so he needs help. LOTS of help. *Note to Parents- Don't buy toys that require 100% of your time* He was SO SO grumpy, I knew he needed a nap, but he was not having it. I put him down with his ball, but he freaked, which isn't normal. So I took the ball away, and he freaked more. Then I decided to rig his crib. I brought the hoop in, and set it up so when he plays with it, he wouldn't loose the ball, and figured he would get tired of this and go to bed.

(had a picture, but my phone is dead, so I can't upload it)

1 HOUR LATER he is still playing! It's almost 3, and we have to leave for another Jazz game at 5:30. He needs his nap! SO I go back in, take it all away, and he freaks out again! Bad! He cries and cries, and finally, at 345, he is quiet, and I think, at least he will get a small nap. BUT NO! 30 minutes later, HE IS AWAKE! Crying for his stupid new basketball! I had a few errands to run, and while I was out from 4- 530, him and Trav only played basketball. That's all they did! Unbelievable. His fever was back, so I decided that we would stay home from the game since he wasn't feeling well, (and he didn't have a nap). For almost another hour all he wants is to do is play stupid ball. Finally, I lock the hoop in the bathroom, and of course, I bet you can all guess, he freaks out. He is throwing a temper tantrum outside the bathroom, like I'm going to open it up. hahaha. I just ignored him, and all of a sudden he is over it. He is playing, reading books, walking over and giving me kisses. It was like my kid was possessed for those 5 hours. Needless to say, we are putting that hoop away until we can find another one that meets his needs without completely contact with us.

PHEW, well, I'm off to bed. Another late night. I am worried to say 'next week shouldn't be as busy', but I don't want to jinx myself.. hahaha Thanks for letting me unload!

Update

I know I promised to be better, and I really thought I would be, but our lives have been so crazy! I am all read up on my friends and family though, but I can't help but thinking how it isn't fair I know all about you, and you don't know anything about us!

We had a doctors appointment last Monday for Riley's 15 month check up, and Riley had to get 5 shots :( Here is the update on our little guy..

Weight- 23lbs, 25%

Length- 32in, 77%

Head- 18in, 63%

Apparently, the last time we had his head sized, the nurse did it wrong, and our doctor informed us his head wasn't as huge as we were thinking it was.

Speaking of size.. Riley is tall for his age, but I swear, all the other kids his age are SO FREAKIN TALL! Either as tall, or taller than, and I don't understand lol I just hope he gets the Great Gpa Farwell gene and has a growth spurt at some point in his life.

I finally broke down and cut Rileys hair :( It was time. If I combed it nice after he was in the tub, it looked fine, but after a day or 2 of naps and playing, there was nothing even I could do lol. After committing to having it cut, one day, I just did it. He sat SO still the whole time. I would even move his head down, and he would just hold it there. I was very impressed. He never cried, and to my surprise, neither did I!

Before

After!

In the last couple months, not too much has changed. We are still at Ruby, and Trav is still at ICI. We are hoping in May, Trav will start the in the police academy, and after only a few short months, he will be working for someone else, ANYWHERE else lol.

As for me, I'm certainly keeping busy. I work 3 shifts a week, and do hair almost full time, while trying to be a good mom, and keep our house under control. I recently have been looking for a salon to move into, and I think I found one! It's still in the works, but I'll post when its official!

I also have been taking cake decorating classes. I started in Sept 2009, and just finished the end of Jan 2010. You could say I'm a little obsessed lol. I could spend hours in the decorating aisle at the store. I have to own ALL things that are related to cake. I like things to be complete, including my collection of supplies. The good thing about it is, Trav usually has it easy when he has to buy me gifts for anything. Here are a few of my favorites

This was for some twins I know. Megan LOVES peace signs. I hand-painted/ty dyed the fondant, and piped the rest

Mandy loves stars, and since I work with Mandy, and know her pretty well, I wanted her cake to be as fun and funky as her.

This was for Emmersons 30th birthday. He couches basketball, and loves the Utes. I had left over batter, so I made matching basketball cupcakes.

Trav's family does a 'Tadd Family Xmas Party' each year, where all the extended family gets together, and who ever is throwing the party rotates each year. This year was Grandma Jerrys year, and she requested a cake of anything I wanted. It was fun to be creative.

This was for Riley's first birthday. Probably my most favorite, because I really didn't know what I was doing, but some how, it turned out.

On top of all the other stuff I have going on in my life, I am now making cakes for friends and family! If anyone needs anything, let me know. Tell me about a week in advance, and I would love to help you celebrate any occasion. My prices are very reasonable, since it is helping me build my portfolio :) My up coming projects are a High School Musical cake for a 4yr birthday party, (never seen the movie, so we will see how that goes lol) and a Nascar for a 60th birthday. The Nascar is going to be a 3D version of a real car. This will be by far the hardest cake so far, but it is for some family, so it has to be perfect. I'll probably be practicing, since I have until March to do it. Wish me luck!

I have set a goal to blog once a week. If anyone notices that I am slacking, PLEASE get on me. My decorating classes are over, so I do have some open time. Love you all!