Happy Birthday to you, Ethan!

Ethan did NOT like being sung to on his birthday. He's a hoot! I still can't believe he's 2 years already! Time has gone by way too quickly.

Awwww....

Who doesn't love a good "BROTHER" picture??!! I found a saying that was done by the author of the Arthur books, Marc Brown. It goes something like, "Sometimes its better to be a brother than a super hero." I'm thinking that I need to print this with the saying below it. :)

Sad

I'm just sad thinking that this little man is going to be 2 in 12 days. Where has the time gone?

We will miss you, Too Too.

My dear Great Grandma passed away at 98 years young on Wednesday.

I'm so glad I had the chance to take some timeless pictures of her with the boys this summer when she was still feeling well.

The day she died, I told Matthew and he asked "Who is going to show her around up there?" I told him that her sister Aunt Winnie would and explained to him that they were best friends and Too Too had missed her for a long time. He replied, "I bet they are up there playing cards and dominoes...solid gold cards and solid gold dominoes. I bet they even got angel wings! Lucky Ladies!" Out of the mouths of babes!!

Sleepy Boy

Poor kid was so tired at dinner that he was actually falling asleep. Matthew never fell asleep, so this was amusing to us...in fact it's one of the first times it's ever happened in this house. Shortly after his mini-meltdown at the end of the video, he was fast asleep in his own bed. Sound asleep by 6:30 is a good night to me! I wish I could crawl in bed one night and go to bed at 6:30.

Mmmmm...Taco Soup

This has to be one of the best recipes I think I've come across in a long time. I found the recipe can be found here:

http://buzzingsofaqueenbee.blogspot.com/2008/08/taco-soup.html

Here it is stewing...the longer it cooks, the better it gets!

And here is the final product! You know it's good when no one talks at dinner...not even the little guys made noise. They just ate.

Otherwise, if you're really impatient, here is the recipe:

Taco Soup
1 1/2 lb. chicken breast, cooked and cubed or shredded
1 medium onion, diced
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 cans (15 oz. each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans (15 oz. each) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans (28 oz. each) diced southwestern style tomatoes, liquid included

2 cans (15 oz. each) chicken stock (or more if you prefer a soup rather than a thick stew)
1 (8 oz.) block cheddar cheese, cubed (I use 2% cheese and it takes a little longer to melt but tastes great!)

I actually just used a bag of shredded cheese...it was easier than cubing cheese and waiting for it to melt.
1 packet dry ranch dressing
1 packet taco seasoning
1 1/2 Tablespoons salt
5-10 dashes of Tabasco sauce

Cook the chicken on the stove or the grill, if you are feeling really fancy. Let cool and dice or shred into bite-sized pieces. Saute the diced onion in a large soup pan until soft and translucent, 5-10 minutes. Add all the other ingredients, including chicken, leaving the cheese until last. Simmer 1-2 hours until cheese cubes melt and the flavors blend together. Check for seasoning and add more salt, pepper and Tabasco as desired. Serve with tortilla chips. Yum!

Serves: 8.

Who knew.

74 words

Typing Test

Bryan's 3_th Birthday!

Bryan turned 3_ years old this year. He had to work late and didn't get home till after 10. Matthew felt so grown up because I let him stay up till Bryan got home so he could share his bread pudding and watch him open his present. We picked up some Dave's BBQ and Bread Pudding for his birthday, Bryan's favorite. Corn bread muffin, too!

What do you get a guy that has everything? We got him an XM Radio. We can't afford a new car, so I figured since he has long drives, he might as well be able to listen to something worthwhile. He was shocked. I think he was expecting another video game again.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRYAN!!

The Power of Diaper Head

Diaper head...he has found that when he wears a diaper on his head he makes people laugh. So, before bed one night, we were having lots of giggles! For some reason, when he wears the diaper on his head he also thinks he's strong, which is why he's showing off his skinny arms, I mean, BIG MUSCLES!

Jammies from G.G. Mom!

After a bath, Ethan crawled into his new flannel jammies from G.G. Mom, which he LOVES...grabbed a hold of his 'night night' and some babies...

Makes for a perfect 'cheese' opportunity!

Boy Kisses

I don't care if I look tired.

I don't care if it isn't the perfect picture.

I love it.

He's such a sweet boy.

And best of all...

He loves his momma...LOTS!

I love him, too!

Good Eats at Home

Even me, the queen of eating out, has been challenging herself to cook more. So, I've taken note of the favorites voted by the finicky eaters in this house. Most recently we've had...

Italian Pork Chops

(Bay Leaves, Onions and Coated Pork Chops)

Stuffed Turkey and Veggie Peppers with Homemade Garlic Bread Sticks

Homemade Chicken Potpie
(This is ALWAYS a favorite!)

We even had some homemade beer bread...ok, it's the Tastefully Simple bread, but I made it, so it counts!Cheddar Beer Soup

(A Rachael Ray Recipe that we LOVE!! - and beer bread on the side, again!)

Pot Roast

(A crock pot classic)

Donut Saturdays are FUN

It's kind of become a tradition in the house lately...we get up late, get donuts and coffee and just lounge. It's a perfect way to spend the weekend. The boys know, too...Is it "Donut Saturday?!"