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!