The Fall Cake

I finally did it!! I finished my big cake! Well, it's not that "big" but it was a big deal for me. End-of-the-course project. I decided to do a fall cake. Since the baby still doesn't like sweets...it looked like Brian's guys at work would get the cake. But upon Brian's suggestion (they might be afraid to eat it, it looks so nice) I'll be taking to our Visiting Teaching Conference and dinner before the general RS broadcast. I'm so glad it turned out well. I added some pumpkin vines just for fun and I think it added a great touch!

And of course, we have to include Adam's latest and greatest. "So, Adam, what do you do when Mom is trying to clean in the kitchen and not paying close attention to you?"

"Well, yesterday I thought it would be great to climb up into the rocking chair, lean it back, tip it backwards so that it leans up against the window, then climb up onto the top and play with the blinds. Mommy kind of screamed when she came in, but then she left. I didn't think she minded. Then she had the camera. For proof. So Daddy could see what I can do now. Silly Mommy!"

Adam will not stay out of the fireplace. So I tried covering it with foam board, covered in fabric to try and be festive. This is what it looked like. Well, Adam had it down and was playing in the fireplace within 5 minutes. What am I going to do with him?? I really love him...but the oven and the fireplace (and now the pulling out of the vents) is driving me nuts! Yesterday I caught him shoving his overalls down the vent pipe after he had pulled out the vent. I bet our parents are thinking, "it's payback time!! They'll grow out of it..." That's the only thing that helps me deal with how fast he's growing...hopefully he'll grow out of "the naughties..."

It's Fall Time!

I was looking at our blog and catching up on friends' blogs and realized that I hadn't posted in a long time. It doesn't really feel like much has happened. Pretty much the same thing every day, but not really. We were so excited that Grandpa Daniels was able to come over Labor Day weekend. Lucky us, he has a work reason to come and visit us (especially Adam). Here's a cute picture of Adam and Grandpa playing before we put Adam to bed.

And of course, a post is not complete without a picture of just Adam. We kept all of his toys in this laundry basket and after Adam dumping it out every day and the cleaning up process taking forever (he stopped after each toy to examine it and play with it before putting it in the basket). So we bought smaller baskets. He still dumps them out, but clean-up goes a little faster. Anyways, we were sitting in the front room, I look over, and here's Adam, sitting in the basket with a few toys, just being silly. He's such a good kid. We are so blessed!!!
And for those of you who don't know yet, Adam is thrilled to tell you...
New baby is due to arrive March 4th, 2010!

Cakes and Books

So here's the latest cake that I made, for our last night of class for the course. Last week's class was canceled because the teacher had the stomach flu (poor thing). Anyways, we learned how to do lots of things and I didn't want my roses to go to waste, so I threw them on the cake along with some swirl flowers. I sent it with Brian to work this morning and within a few hours it was eaten. I'm so glad!! I still need to work on the roses...since they look like tea roses, but that's ok. I'm having fun and the next course starts next week!

And of course, what is a post without a picture of Adam? Adam loves to read books and is constantly asking for "buh?" or else "da da." Books I can give him, Dad...well, not until after work. And no, I don't really like Barney, but the book was free and Adam doesn't mind. He does love Dr. Suess (just like his dad). Adam is growing up so fast it's hard to hold on to today.

My Cake Decorating Class

This month I am happy to be taking a cake decorating class. I've been trying since March and I finally was able to find one, that actually had a teacher, and that would fit with our schedule. It is a lovely two hours every Thursday when it's just me. No Adam, no Brian, no cleaning, no dishes. Well, there's cleaning the tips and everything afterwards, and making a cake and doing those dishes...but for those two hours, it's just me and some other ladies learning how to decorate cakes. I'm having a lot of fun! This is my "first" cake for the class. I wanted to do my own design instead of the "rainbow cake" or having to buy a character pan. So, I'd say it turned out just fine! Too bad I can't eat it.

And my project before my class started was to make this little dress. Our neighbors down the street, John & Sara, have a little girl named Atleigh. She just turned two and for her birthday I made her this little dress. I think homemade gifts are fun and cheaper when you have the time to make them. I'm glad this turned out and that it fit and that they liked it. It feels really nice to have someone enjoy what you make for them. It's such a feeling of appreciation and achievement. Now I need to make the crib bedding I've been meaning to make for almost two years...and make that scrap quilt. One thing at a time...

Family Weekend

Well, we had a wonderful weekend last weekend and I haven't been able to blog about it until now. Brian's parents came into town for a few days and his brother and his family as well (the family we went to the beach with). We had so much fun!! I'm sad I really didn't get any pictures. I need to take a lesson from Grandma Hofmann and take pictures more often.

On Thursday we were excited to first welcome Brian's parents and have lunch and show them around the house. As I think about, it was really exciting for us to show them our house, as an accomplishment. I know it will be the same for my parents when they come and visit (hopefully soon). Having our parents know and see that we are doing well is rewarding.

Anyways, after spending some time with them, Scott and Melissa and co arrived and we all had a great time talking and laughing. Melissa's sister Lisa was able to come too. We're so excited for her as she prepares to serve a mission in Brazil--we wish her luck!

On Friday we all went to Bays Mtn. and enjoyed seeing all of the animals. We were even able to hear the pack of wolves howl--that was really cool. Afterwards we had lunch together and went to splash pad (a kids water park with lots of fountains) and had a blast! We all played on the playground equipment and had a "jolly good time." Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Scott, Melissa & Co. but we were so happy they were able to come!

We kept Brian's parents busy on Saturday with putting the 2nd coat of paint on the yellow room (to be a nursury eventually), took them to the ward 24th of July celebration, helped a family pack up their moving truck, ran errands, and took them to our neighborhood block party. It was a busy weekend, but so much fun!

As we had to say farewell after Sacrament meeting on Sunday, I found myself really sad that they had to leave and having to hold back tears. It was so nice to have family here. Despite how much we miss our families (and that's an incredible lot), we know that we need to be here now. And we're happy. We are so happy that Brian only has to work one job and that I can stay home with Adam and that we are developing close friendships with people here. We have been truly blessed.
Here are the three Daniels' grandsons playing the piano at our house. They had so much fun together!