Two and Through?

My latest article is up over at Modern Parent! See how many kids are in our family plan... Comments on the site are much appreciated!

The Witching Hour

My latest article is up over at Modern Parent! It's about the witching hour. If you have a child, I know you know what I'm talking about! 

Dada

Barry has gone to shoot guns on my family's farm in Asheboro today. Branner and I have been playing/trying to motivate to get out of the house on this rainy morning. He keeps pointing to this toy, playing with it, and calling it "Dada." I don't really see the resemblance...

Happy (Rainy) Saturday!

ChickFilA!

First time in the ChickFilA play area. Life (and lunches out) will never be the same!

TWO.

Dear Branner,

You are two. TWO!!!! I truly cannot believe two years have passed since the day you came into this world and our lives were forever changed for the better. Watching you develop and grow and master skills has been the greatest, most fulfilling thing I have ever experienced and that will never change.

You are funny, wild, mischievous, sweet, amazing, smart, hilarious, strong-willed and beautiful in every way. Your smiles and laughter are contagious. You have a big personality that gets you noticed, and you adore that. You give the best kisses and hugs in the world, and you give them often. 

You love being outside, tractors, trains, cars, trucks, animals, being read to, school, ice cream, being the center of attention, playing, dancing, laughing, baths, slides, swings, building blocks, and so much more. You dislike being told "no," not being able to get your point across, and super-long car rides. 

Your presence in my life has impacted me more than you will ever know. Because of you, I am closer to being the person I want to be. Because of you, my compassion towards others has grown immensely and my faith in the good of others has been renewed. You have changed me, and only for the better. Nothing I ever give you or do for you will ever compare to this gift. You will always be my biggest blessing. I wouldn't be able to teach you in a million years a fraction of what I have learned from you.

I am forever grateful that God had a bigger, better plan for me than I could have ever imagined and that He has given me the task of being your mother. I will always be your biggest cheerleader and I will always, always, always love you--more each and every day. You are truly something special, and I cannot wait to see what the next year holds. 

Love You to the Moon and Back, 

Mommy

Branner's 2nd BirthDAY!

Branner's actual birthday was filled with fun! We opened the gifts his birthday party guests brought, went to lunch at Phil's with Gigi, played, loved, danced and did rocket blast offs in the front yard after nap (shout out to the Thompson's for giving us the rocket set)! We capped off the day with a cupcake and another round of singing "Happy Birthday" for our special boy on his special day. We love you with all of our hearts, Branner! You are "two" much!

Branner's 2nd Birthday Party!

This year, this mama decided to make it easy on herself and booked Branner's second birthday party at Gymboree. The party involved lots of kids, lots of activities, lots of fun, lots of bubbles, lots of pizza, lots of cake and one happy birthday boy! He ran, climbed, jumped and played his way throughout the gym with his friends. He had a blast, and I'm pretty sure all of the other kids did, too! We left the party with a car full of presents, cupcakes, pizza and one worn out birthday boy! Happy, happy birthday to our amazingly energetic boy! 

Lunch with BP

We met Big Papa (Boo Papa!) for lunch today. Branner had a blast showing off what a big boy and good eater he can be to one of his most favorite people in the whole world! Of course, we went to Jersey Mike's. Branner just loves it ;) Happy Friday!

Cupcakes!

We had Joe over for dinner last night, and since his birthday was last week, Branner helped me bake him some cupcakes. What a fun afternoon and great way to start what is his own birthday week!

A Birth Story

In honor of Branner's birthday on Sunday, I shared the story of his birth with my Modern Parent readers. Please check it out and comment on the site :)

Weekend Recap

For the first time in a long while, Barry and I didn't have a date night on Friday or Saturday. We stayed in, played with B and had lots of family time. Good thing I had gone to the movies on Thursday and Barry went out for a few drinks after work on Friday! Otherwise, we would have had cabin fever! Some things we did this weekend...

• Played
• Had a dance party (or ten)
• Went on a walk
• Visited Jake
• Went to the park
• Watched Finding Nemo
• Had a family breakfast at Phil's
• Went to church
• Had a birthday dinner for my dad

I swear, Saturday and Sunday always go by too fast! Can't wait for next weekend, when we will be celebrating sweet B's second birthday! I cannot believe he is already two!!!!

Lunch Date

After hitting the gym this morning, Branner and I had to go to Marshall's to get Barry some dress socks.

  Seriously, who is stealing all of the socks in my house? 

Anyway, Marshall's is right beside Jersey Mike's. I LOVE Jersey Mike's. Apparently, Branner does, too. He saw it and pointed and asked to go. How could I resist? So, we had a little lunch date, just the two of us. B did great; sat in his seat like a big boy, listened well and even managed to eat a few bites. I love time spent with my sweet boy!

Lasagna Soup

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I have Pinterest and the Deen brothers to thank for this recipe! I am about to make it for the second time, and let me tell you, it's DELISH! If you try it, you will not be disappointed. I did alter it a little...

2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound ground beef (96/4 is my preference) 
1 onion, chopped 
1 bell pepper, chopped 
3 cloves garlic, minced 
1 32 oz. container chicken broth 
1 15 oz. can tomato sauce 
1 14 1/2 oz. can petite diced tomatoes 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 
4 ounces broken whole-wheat lasagna noodles (about 4 noodles)
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese 
1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese

Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick saucepot or Dutch oven. Add the beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is crumbled and browned, about 8-10 minutes. 

Add the broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are blended, about 20 minutes. Add the noodles; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly and the noodles are tender. Remove from the heat; stir in mozzarella and parmesan.

Resolutions

What are your resolutions for 2012? Mine are up over on Modern Parent. Please hop over and check it out!

Ringing in 2012!

We had a blast welcoming 2012 with Jason, Kendra and several friends! On the agenda? Sequins (too bad you can't see my skirt in the pic), red lips, a delicious dinner at Sullivan's and a party at Joe's, what more could you ask for? I'm very much looking forward to seeing what this year has in store for us as a family! Happy 2012, loves!