So Long to the Big D

It's definitely been a crazy week for us Thomsens. For those of you who may not know, Bryce left his job at Disney, and this Monday started a new job at a company called Eat, Sleep, Play. It's a definite change for him - this company is much smaller, but he'll have a chance to do some higher level work on some more prominent projects.

I'm really proud of him for making this change. So many people complain about their jobs but never do anything about it. Bryce worked nights and weekends for almost FOUR MONTHS on Toy Story 3, which was just ridiculous. It was hard for him to leave Disney - he's been there 6 years - but this was an awesome opportunity.

And things are going well. He's already been working on some things this week for the new game, has gotten to know some of his coworkers, and is excited to join the company softball league.

So, for now, farewell to the big "D!"

Lamb & Wool Festival

Last weekend, Bryce, Cole, and I went with my mom and dad to the Lamb and Wool Festival at Thanksgiving Point. Before Pa and Nana got to our house, we had to get all ready, which included putting on Cole's frog boots and sunglasses, and then chugging lots of green tea. (Yes, my weirdly healthy son loves green tea!)This was the first sight that greeted us at the festival - baby pygmy goats. Everyone all at once: Awwwwwww.......There was a lot to do at the festival. We fed baby goats:We went on a hay ride:And Cole rode a horse! (Well, maybe not a horse. More like a small pony. But I digress.) He didn't like it at first, but by the end was loving it, and the rest of the morning kept wanting to "Ride!"One thing not at the festival? Lambs. Huh. Maybe the title "Lamb & Wool Festival" needs a revisit.

Anyway, we had a wonderful time, and all agreed that it was fun to actually do something relaxing on the weekend instead of just working. Cole loved being with Pa & Nana, as always.

Waiting for Pa & Nana

When will they be here?

Starts With a 3

I cannot believe I hit 30 this week! Crazy. I wanted to thank everyone for the birthday wishes, it was a great one.

Last Friday, Kelly and Britt surprised me with a night away. We ate at Cucina Toscana (one of my favorite restaurants in SLC), and then drove up to The Dakota resort in Park City. It was absolutely beautiful! I not-so-subtly announced to the front desk clerk that it was my 30th, and they upgraded our room. I swear, that room was bigger than our house. It had two bathrooms, one with a jacuzzi tub and one with a walk-in shower:A full kitchen with granite countertop and Viking appliances, (here I am sunning myself in the overhead lights)A living room and dining area straight out of a magazine,And an awesome deck with an incredible view.We lazed about in the 90 degree outdoor pool and talked all night. I sure do love these girls - they are so thoughtful. It was so nice to have a night away.

The day of my birthday, Bryce and I took Cole to school and just did what we wanted. We went to lunch and Iron Man 2, and then shopping. Bryce gave me one of my favorite gifts ever - the much-beloved KitchenAid Mixer!!!
And finally, we had a little party of Saturday. Cole was being a little bit difficult, so I completely forgot to pull out my camera. But, it was super fun and so great to hang out with friends.

Thanks again to everyone, especially Bryce and my parents, for being so thoughtful to an old lady. :)

Blackberries

I didn't eat a whole container of blackberries.

No, not me!

The Frog

This weekend I did a cake for a sorority sister whose daughter turned 3. They had a party based on "Princess and the Frog," but which focused mostly on the frog. I had a lot of fun making this cake, and I'm glad I got a chance to see an old friend again! Happy Birthday, Olivia!

This was the invitation for the party:
And here is the final cake. (For some reason, it showed up as blue, but the cake was actually a deep purple.)

So Angry

I hesitate to even post this. I like my blog to be about my family and good memories, not to make me or others sad. But I feel like I just have to get rid of this anger I'm carrying and maybe this will help.

The story of Ethan Stacy has hit me more than I thought anything could. I've never been one to bury my head in the sand, but I simply cannot read about what happened to him. Angry doesn't even begin to cover the emotion that cuts off the air in my throat when I think about him.

I know that I cannot change things for him, although I wish with all my heart I could. All I can do is hold my son a little tighter, be a little kinder, keep my eyes wide open to make sure I never miss what might be going on right under my nose,

And pray that there is harsher punishment for those two in the afterlife to come than can be found on this earth.

My Boys

I sure do love these two...

Wedding Cake

I'm really glad today is over, but it turned out really well. After a few glitches this morning, things went along okay, and I was pretty happy with the way the cake turned out. The bride wanted something very simple, and I tried to oblige. The reception was at The Rose Garden, and was beautiful.

Making some adjustments.
Ta Da!Bryce obligingly helped the wedding party organize their candy supplies.I made good use of the adorable apron gifted to me by an amazingly talented gal.It was a great experience - I learned a lot and ended up having fun. I couldn't have done it without Bryce's help - he was awesome. My parents took Cole for a sleepover - thank you guys as well!

Day 47

I think I will start taking bets. Any takers?

Weddings = Madness

I've spent the last two nights covered in powdered sugar, racing around the kitchen, and washing the same dishes over and over again. Things got bad last night when one of my cakes tore. Bryce (sweetheart that he is) kept saying it would be okay and it wasn't a problem.

I yelled in reply that it definitely WAS a problem.

The wedding's on Thursday.

What, oh what, was I thinking?